I can’t make past wrongs disappear, but I can take actions that will help me to let them go. When I make amends, I do what I can to correct the situation. Then I an put the past in its rightful place and leave it there.

An emotionally mature person does not automatically resent criticism, realizing that it may contain a suggestion for self-improvement.

Once we realize that alcoholism is a disease, and that we are not responsible for it , we can master our own feelings of guilt and hostility.  This often brings about improvement in the home situation.

Part of learning humility is learning to contribute to my own well-being.  Today I will do something loving for myself that I’d normally do for someone else.

Nothing could be gained by reliving old grievances, or by dwelling on what might happen tomorrow.  But we could gain enormous peace of mind by realizing that today is the only day we are given.

When I am asked for advice, I know only what I would do if I were faced with the same problem, and not what would be right for another. Good advice in Al-Anon takes the form of gentle guidance into Al-Anon principles, so people can find the right answers for themselves.

When I am tempted to punish others, let me instead turn my attention to myself.

The first three steps are the cornerstone on which my progress is built.  No matter how long I have been in this program, I won’t hesitate to touch base with the foundation of my spiritual health.

Just for tonight, I will be grateful. I will give thanks for the past day — its failures as well as its successes, its sadness as well as its joy and its pain as well as its pleasure. I will take comfort in knowing that every event and circumstance that occurred today can be used for my good and the good of others.

Just for tonight, I will be humble. I will give my shortcomings to a power greater than myself, trusting that doing so can bring about changes in me that I could not bring about by myself.

Just for tonight, I will set aside my fears, frustrations and aspirations and take a few minutes to review the abundance that exists in my life today. I will place my future in the care of a loving God of my own own understanding, trusting my needs will be met at a time and in a way that is best for all concerned.

Just for tonight, I will release my loved ones to my higher power’s care. I will free myself from trying to do the impossible — changing the actions, attitudes, or life of anyone other than myself.

Just for tonight, I will set aside anger, judgement, resentment, envy and hurt feelings. I will ask my higher power to bless those whose actions I feel troubled by, and to change my attitude to one of love, acceptance and compassion.

Just for tonight, I will find a safe, comfortable place to lie down and close my eyes. I will remind myself I am both deserving and in need of rest. I will look forward to awakening to the new day, feeling rested and ready to follow my higher power’s guidance.

Now that we are in Al-Anon and learning to focus on ourselves, we find that our world is neither all black nor all white. Now, the difference between a good day or a bad day has little to do with what happens or with what other people do or feel.

Concept One affirms that as individuals we are responsible for our own lives.  We cannot expect others to take on our responsibilities; nor should we assume the responsibilities of others.