Cal Chat

Terry Anne (in part 3 of 5 of Episode 12) sums up the new book "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships" (B-33) in 3 words!  I reveal my favorite sections from pages 18-19 and the story of loss on page 118 that still stays with me. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM TERRY ANNE: "...we’re loved more for who we really are than anyone ever did for who we thought they wanted us to be!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships"  –  Episode 11: part 4 of 4  "The Forum" (magazine)  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 6: part 1 of 4,   Episode 6: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 7: part 4 of 5  "Reaching For Personal Freedom"  –  Episode 7: part 1 of 5,   Episode 7: part 2 of 5,  &  Episode 7: part 3 of 5  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/CALChatFan  Twitter - www.twitter.com/CALChatFan  "CAL Chat" website - www.calcha

In part 2 of 5 (of Episode 12), Terry Anne elaborates on communication from Chapter 3 of the brand new book "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships" (B-33).  She explains how she has used this book in her personal life in recognizing and moving through old behaviors.  We also discuss how labels and biases can hinder intimacy and that this book is an example of our evolving Al-Anon program. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM TERRY ANNE: "...it didn’t seem to matter if you were male or female, ideas that were traditionally masculine were sometimes held by women just as much as a female perspective could be held by a man and I really enjoyed that!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships"  –  Episode 11: part 4 of 4  "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 11: part 2 of 4  "Sexual Intimacy and the Alcoholic Relationship" OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LI

How can it be easier to share about sex?  How can spiritual solutions be brought into intimate situations?  What new upcoming Al-Anon literature is on the horizon?  Terry Anne shares, in part 1 of 5 of Episode 12, about the brand new book "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships" (B-33) that came out in 2018 at Al-Anon’s 6th International Convention.  We discuss the workshop she once gave on the topic of sex, the different types of intimacy covered, and my strange experience with this book. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM TERRY ANNE: "...many of those relationships have absolutely nothing to do with sex, but they’re still so very intimate, they’re very personal." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships"  –  Episode 11: part 4 of 4  "Sexual Intimacy and the Alcoholic Relationship" OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/CA

Susan and I talk about different ways (in part 4 of 4 of Episode 11) to use the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) for outreach purposes – including raffle baskets!  We also explore how one can contribute to Al-Anon other than putting money in the Seventh Tradition basket.  She singles out the section "Steps to the Future" from page 255 (or 257 depending on the book's edition) and we remember what it was like growing up in an alcoholic home.  Lastly, we look forward to the brand new book that will be debuting at the international convention in 2018! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM SUSAN: "I’ve never met an Al-Anon book I didn’t love."

In part 3 of 4 (of Episode 11), Susan's pick for her favorite outreach piece of literature is the book "From Survival To Recovery" (B-21) because she grew up in an alcoholic home.  She highlights the chapter "Picking Up The Tools" on page 107.  We also talk about why 1994 was a good year for Conference Approved Literature (CAL) and how this book marked a turning point for Al-Anon Family Groups. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM SUSAN: "I was an adult before I was the child." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2  &  Episode 4: part 2 of 2  "Many Voices, One Journey"  –  Episode 10: part 4 of 4  "When I Got Busy, I Got Better"   "Al-Anon Sharings from Adult Children"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/CALChatFan  Twitter - www.twitter.com/CALChatFan  "CAL C

I ask Susan a question in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 11) from page 23 of the booklet "When I Got Busy, I Got Better" (P-78).  She explains helping vs enabling, we discuss a quote from page 2, how we could use the second half of the book in a meeting, and the difference between being grateful and thankful.  A NOTE OF CAUTION: this is the first episode to include EXPLICIT language, so proceed accordingly!   QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM SUSAN: "My worth is who I am – not what I do, not what I give you.  I’m worthy just because I’m me." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "When I Got Busy, I Got Better"   "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/CALChatFan  Twitter - www.twitter.com/CALChatFan 

Am I the right kind of busy?  Where does self-worth come from?  Helping versus enabling?  Being a victim versus a participant?  Susan shares, in part 1 of 4 of Episode 11, about how the booklet "When I Got Busy, I Got Better" (P-78) impacted her life.  We discuss the different types of fear in Chapter One, how service keeps us from isolating, & that we're so glad there's no performance review in service work! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM SUSAN: "I used to say I was born angry!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "When I Got Busy, I Got Better"   "Al-Anon Sharings from Adult Children"  –  Episode 4: part 1 of 2  &  Episode 4: part 2 of 2  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/CALChatFan  Twitter - www.twitter.com/CALChatFan  "CAL Chat" website - www.calchatpodcast.com 

In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 10), Wendy shares what she is hoping for with a new change for the upcoming "2017 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46) due in August and what sets this item apart from the rest of the literature in the 2017 CAL Catalog (S-15).  She also reveals a unique location to leave the "Just For Today" bookmark (M-12) that is too high of a risky spot for me.  Discover what is on the second "Just For Today" bookmark (M-13) and what one word on the wallet card version (M-11) is hidden in our literature!  QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM WENDY: "I hope everyone raises their hand and gets involved in service because it will just springboard your recovery." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Just For Today" (bookmark)  –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2  &  Episode 12: part 4 of 5  "Just For Today" (wallet card)    2017 CAL Catalog    "2003 World Service Conference Summary"   "2017 World Service Conference Summary"   "Opening Our Hearts, Transforming Our Losses"  –  Episode 5: part 3 of 4  "Many V

The bookmark, "Just For Today" (M-12), is Wendy’s favorite piece of outreach literature in part 3 of 4 of Episode 10.  We talk about the current conversation at Al-Anon’s World Service Conference regarding the recommendation to remove the PRAYER FOR TODAY section.  Using pages 57 – 60 of the "2016 World Service Conference Summary" (P-46), we explore the CAL process to remove, edit, or replace the prayer.  Wendy shares about the interaction between the Literature Committee and the World Service Conference and how it’s important to not be afraid to have uncomfortable discussions that affect literature decisions. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM WENDY: "I was always trying to change things... to adjust them to how I wanted them to be and it’s very exhausting to do that!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Just For Today" (bookmark)  –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2  &  Episode 12: part 4 of 5  "Just For Today" (wallet card)    Al-Anon Newcomer Packet   –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2,   Episode 4: part 2 of 2,  &  

The conversation with Wendy continues about slogans in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 10) from "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22 for hardcover, B-32 for softcover).  We focus on the slogan “Let Go and Let God” (especially the importance of faith in the 2nd half) and how a specific physical token can be used as a reminder to put this slogan into action!  I give recommendations on other CAL pieces to reference for a deeper dive into the slogans and lastly, find out why I consider slogans are similar to jewels. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM WENDY: "It was an illusion that I was controlling the outcomes, but I guess the illusion made me safe for a little while… but it never really lasted." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2  &  Episode 6: part 3 of 4  "The Forum" (magazine)  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 6: part 1 of 4,   Episode 6: part 2 of 4,   Episode 7: part 4 of 5,   Episode 12: part 4 of 5,  &  Episode 12: part 5 of 5  "The Forum Book" (working title)  –  

What are good consequences?  Where does the fear of letting go come from?  What are literature discussions like at the World Service Conference?  Wendy shares, in part 1 of 4 of Episode 10, about using the slogans from Chapter 9 of "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22 for hardcover, B-32 for softcover) as stepping stones to serenity and how serenity can eventually become a guiding force in our lives for making decisions.  We also look closer at the slogan “Let it Begin With Me” as not just something that we say at the end of an Al-Anon meeting or having to do with outreach. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM WENDY: "...I grew up thinking there were a lot of things you wanted in life… good relationships, and you wanted money, and you wanted a good job… but serenity wasn’t on my list really." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2  &  Episode 6: part 3 of 4  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com 

Pat explains in Episode 9's last part, (#4), that of all the things she has tried, how Al-Anon is the only thing that truly helped.  We discuss ways to enhance the "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017" magazine while using it for outreach purposes and she wraps up with a “Last Words” section about amends and Step Nine.  Lastly, at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com,  I've attached a PDF of the 2017 magazine as *bonus content* so you can download it and see all the pages mentioned on this episode. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM PAT: "Al-Anon is something we can use just in daily living." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017"  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 7: part 4 of 5   Outreach Bookmark  –  Episode 7: part 4 of 5  "Are You Troubled By Someone’s Drinking?" "Courage to Change"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 5: part 3 of 4  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog -  www.calchatblog.c

In part 3 of 4 (of Episode 9), Pat highlights sections from her favorite outreach piece of literature, the new "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017" magazine.  Discover two things that were done on this edition that were a “first” in this magazine’s history.  We remember back to how we felt coming into our very first Al-Anon meeting and how desperation can be a gift! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM PAT: "I understood from that first meeting that these people had been in my situation..." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017"  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 7: part 4 of 5   Outreach Bookmark  –  Episode 7: part 4 of 5  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/CALChatFan  Twitter - www.twitter.com/CALChatFan  "CAL Chat" website - www.calchatpodcast.com 

The conversation continues in Episode 9’s second part with Pat and her favorite page 199 (July 17th) from the daily reader "Courage To Change" (B-16).  We explore more components that contribute to making it in recovery, which slogans have helped us out along the way, and how reading the literature can show that we’ve changed.  Also find out a few fun facts about "Courage To Change." QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM PAT: "I forget how my life became unmanageable and I think it’s easy to fall back into that just with daily living." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Courage to Change"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 5: part 3 of 4  "Courage to Change" (audiobook)  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  "Courage to Change" (electronic book)  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  "One Day At A Time"  –  Episode 2: part 1 of 2  "Hope For Today" OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pintere

How can I get time back in my life?  Are appointments needed to attend an Al-Anon meeting?  How can I spot changes in myself?  In part 1 of 4 of Episode 9, Pat shares how one particular sentence from page 199 (July 17th) from the daily reader "Courage To Change" (B-16) impacted her life.  She breaks down some of the major components that are involved in her recovery, how this reading ties into the second part of Step One, and which roles she identifies with from the pamphlet "Alcoholism, A-Merry-Go-Round Named Denial" (P-3). QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM PAT: "My life was miserable because I was making it miserable." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Courage to Change"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 5: part 3 of 4  "Alcoholism, A Merry-Go-Round Named Denial"  –  Episode 11: part 1 of 4  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/CALChat

In part 3 of 3 (of Episode 8), Alateen members share what they would like to say to Al-Anon members, and they directly address the teenager that is living with alcoholism that hasn’t been to an Alateen meeting yet.  They explain how Alateen is like a family environment and that they don’t bite!  The show wraps up with a unique “Last Words” section from a couple of Alateen group sponsors, where they cover the importance of hearing from Alateen members, how the Seventh Tradition is practiced from an Alateen perspective, the unexpected benefits of doing Alateen service, and how participating in this podcast is similar to doing a gratitude list! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM AN ALATEEN MEMBER: "One thing that Alateen has really taught me is how to manage friendships and it’s given me a really great place to develop healthy relationships with people and also with other adults." OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagr

The conversation continues in Episode 8’s second part with three more Alateen members talking about their favorite parts from "Courage To Be Me" (B-23), page 8 from the booklet "Alateen Talks Back On: Detachment" (P-73), and pages 268-269 (September 24th and 25th) from the daily reader "Living Today in Alateen" (B-26).  They highlight a letter written to a parent, how they struggle with expectations of love, and how a member can eventually resemble the image on page 269 from "Living Today in Alateen."  Also find out what message is repeated several times in "Courage To Be Me" and how it’s like a warm reminder!  QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM AN ALATEEN MEMBER: "...I’ve learned through Alateen that it’s a disease... not myself or who I am that’s causing anything." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Courage To Be Me"  –  Episode 6: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 10: part 2 of 4  "Alateen Talks Back On: Detachment"  –  Episode 6: part 4 of 4  "Alateen-a day at a time"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode

How can I keep things simple?  If my growth is like a tree, then what are my roots?  What Alateen book can I bring to an Al-Anon meeting?  In part 1 of 3 of this very special Episode 8, four Alateen members share what they like best about Alateen literature – specifically the Alateen Talk newsletter (no item #), "Courage To Be Me" (B-23), page 26 (January 26th) from the daily reader "Alateen-a day at a time" (B-10), and pages 25-26 from the "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017" (P-24/27).  They talk about a favorite Step, what Tradition One means, and some powerful characteristics that can define someone affected by alcoholism. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM AN ALATEEN MEMBER: "My favorite Step is really the first Step.  ...it was hard, but I was up for the challenge." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES:  Alateen Talk (newsletter)    "Courage To Be Me"  –  Episode 6: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 10: part 2 of 4  "Alateen-a day at a time"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 6: part 4 of 4   "Livin

In part 5 of 5 (of Episode 7), the conversation continues with Mark about Alateen outreach to Alcoholics Anonymous and how service has helped his program.  He shares what moved him emotionally at his first Area Assembly meeting and how it was similar to a Newcomer meeting!  You can click this link to find this book, "The Best of Public Outreach" (P-90), online and to see Al-Anon’s TV public service announcements, visit: www.al-anon.org/media-kit/public-service-announcements.  Lastly, the index I created for "Reaching For Personal Freedom" (P-92) can be downloaded as *bonus content* at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...there is a difference between being hopeless and being powerless." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "The Best of Public Outreach" (booklet) "The Best of Public Outreach" (2012/2017 online version) "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017"  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 6: part 3 of 4,   Episode 9: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 9: part

Mark’s favorite piece of literature to use for outreach purposes is the service tool "The Best of Public Outreach" (P-90) in Episode 7’s part 4 of 5.  He shares how public outreach is what first got him into service in Al-Anon and calls out a “Getting Started” section on page 7, as well as pages 12-19 for several lists of outreach ideas.  He also explains how the workbook helped with a big outreach project he was involved with that was done in honor of Al-Anon’s founder, Lois Wilson, and how projects don’t need to be big to be effective.  Lastly, we discuss what it’s like to talk to people that are not familiar with the Al-Anon program. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...any Al-Anon member is a great candidate to get involved in public outreach." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "The Best of Public Outreach" (2012/2017 online version) "The Forum" (magazine)  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 6: part 1 of 4,   Episode 6: part 2 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 12: part 3 of 5,   Episode