Cal Chat

In part 3 of 5 (of Episode 7) find out what two words I discovered are inter-related after creating an index for "Reaching For Personal Freedom" (P-92).  Mark talks about how he used to be before he came into the Al-Anon program and explores what I call a “big ticket item!” QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...I think for me, personal freedom means mitigating fear in my life... minimizing it." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Reaching For Personal Freedom"  –  Episode 12: 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.calchatpodcast.com 

Freedom is specifically discussed with Mark in part 2 of 5 (of Episode 7) from the workbook "Reaching For Personal Freedom" (P-92).  He compares this book to other Al-Anon workbooks, explains how it differs, and I reveal a surprise…  I’ve created an index for this book!  (It can be downloaded as *bonus content* at this podcast show's website,  www.calchatpodcast.com.)  Also, find out what patterns I learned about the Legacies from creating an index! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...this workbook has helped me get a better understanding too of... assets that were taken to extremes and turned into defects." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Reaching For Personal Freedom"  –  Episode 12: 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.calchatpodcast.

What do I want to be free of?  What exactly are character defects?  Can Alateen outreach be done to AA members?  In part 1 of 5 of Episode 7, Mark shares how he used the workbook "Reaching For Personal Freedom" (P-92) in studying the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts horizontally.  He also highlights how a section on page 12 led to a spiritual awakening for him.   QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MARK: "...there’s a difference between saying you’re powerless and then accepting powerlessness." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Reaching For Personal Freedom"  –  Episode 12: part 3 of 5  "Blueprint For Progress" "Al-Anon’s 12 Steps & 12 Traditions" "Paths To Recovery" "Paths To Recovery" (workbook) "Discovering Choices"  –  Episode 5: part 1 of 4  &  Episode 5: part 2 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/CALChatFan  Twitter - www

In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 6), the conversation continues with Nancy about her favorite Alateen literature and how being an AMIAS (Al-Anon Member Involved In Alateen Service) is her way of giving back.  She explains the requirements to become an Alateen Group Sponsor and shares an innovative way an Alateen Group Representative used the words in the index of "Alateen-a day at a time" (B-10).  At this podcast show's website, www.calchatpodcast.com, I've attached a PDF document as *bonus content* that you can download to use the list of words. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM NANCY: "...these are stories from children that have ‘been there, done that.’  To me that’s what makes it the most powerful... it’s real." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Alateen-a day at a time"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 8: part 1 of 3   "Living Today in Alateen"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 8: part 2 of 3  "Alateen's 4th Step Inventory"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4  &  Episode 8: part 2 of 3  "Alateen

Nancy’s pick of literature to use for outreach purposes is "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22 for hardcover, B-32 for softcover, eB-22 for the electronic version, and eA-22 for the audiobook version) in Episode 6’s part 3 of 4.  She highlights the slogan “Think” (page 71), “Lois’ Story” (pages 152-155), and how interesting it is to get the Al-Anon founder’s point of view on the Twelve Steps (pages 155-160).  We also talk about participating in a Meeting on Wheels and doing outreach at facilities using just the pages 14 and 15. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM NANCY: "..it’s interesting to get the [Al-Anon] founder’s point of view on things and what her thinking was..." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "How Al-Anon Works"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2,   Episode 10: part 1 of 4,   Episode 10: part 2 of 4,   Episode 11: part 2 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 2 of 5  "How Al-Anon Works" (audiobook)   "How Al-Anon Works" (electronic book)   "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017"  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 7: part 4 of

Find out, in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 6), what "As We Understood" (B-11) was the first Conference Approved book to do in Al-Anon’s history.  We talk about misconceptions about the book and the goal of learning something every day no matter how small.  Nancy shares how important choices are, dealing with change, and she answers one of the toughest questions I’ve asked so far! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM NANCY: "...this is where I learned that I had choices, when I came into the [Al-Anon] program..." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "As We Understood"  –  Episode 10: part 2 of 4  "The Forum" (magazine)  –  Episode 5: part 4 of 4,   Episode 7: part 4 of 5,   Episode 12: part 4 of 5,  &  Episode 12: part 5 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.calchatpodcas

Can I fire my Higher Power?  What is a "Meeting on Wheels?"  What is not allowed in recovery literature when bringing it into jails?  In part 1 of 4 of Episode 6, Nancy talks about her favorite book "As We Understood" (B-11) and shares how its positive uplifting take on our program has kept her using it.  In particular, we discuss two prayers on pages 213 and 214 and how this book is different than a daily reader.  We explore the spiritual (non-religious) nature of the program, what a Higher Power can be, and a possible new slogan! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM NANCY: "...the [Al-Anon] program has given me so much understanding of a Higher Power.  It’s just changed my way of thinking as far as… it can be anything..." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "As We Understood"  –  Episode 10: part 2 of 4  "Forum Favorites" (Volume 2) OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1  Pinterest

In part 4 of 4 (of Episode 5), the conversation continues with Theresa about other Conference Approved Literature that is available for parents and how CAL is not like other self-help/recovery literature.  Lastly, find out why her favorite outreach piece, "Parents of Alcoholics" (R-18), may not be around much longer! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: "...I bought every self-help book… until I walked into the rooms of Al-Anon.  I never made it through one of the books!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Parents of Alcoholics" (reprint) "To Parents of Alcoholics" (pamphlet)  Parents’ Newcomer Packet   –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2  "The Forum" (magazine)  –  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  "Hope & Understanding for Parents & Grandparents" "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017"  –  Episode 7: part 4 of 5,   Episode 9: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 9: part 4 of 4  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEB

Theresa’s favorite piece of literature to use for outreach purposes is the reprint "Parents of Alcoholics" (R-18) in Episode 5’s part 3 of 4.  It’s only 12 pages, but so powerful!  She shares the moment she hit her “bottom” and what brought her into the Al-Anon program.  We also talk about being able to differentiate between helping versus enabling and what is one thing a parent can definitely do for their alcoholic child. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: "...our children come through us, not to us." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Parents of Alcoholics" (reprint)   "Courage to Change"  –  Episode 3: part 4 of 4,   Episode 9: part 1 of 4,  &  Episode 9: part 2 of 4  "Opening Our Hearts, Transforming Our Losses"  –  Episode 10: part 4 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/CALChatFan  Twitter - www.twitter.com/CALChatFan 

Chapter 13 from the book "Discovering Choices" (B-30) is the focus in part 2 of 4 (of Episode 5) where Theresa breaks down how service work (and especially the Concepts 4, 5, and 10) helped her grow in all areas of her life.  She explains the benefits of having a Service Sponsor, how we’re never alone, and addresses the fear behind willingness.  The conversation moves into the importance of failure and we discover a new way to look at the cover of the book! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: "...service work has helped me grow in so many areas of my life that I didn’t even realize there were problems in!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Discovering Choices"  –  Episode 7: part 1 of 5  "The Dilemma of the Alcoholic Marriage" 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 - 

What is failure really about?  How can I be ok with not being in control?  What can help with delegating?  In part 1 of 4 of Episode 5, Theresa focuses on chapters 1 and 9 from one of her favorite books "Discovering Choices" (B-30) and shares how, after coming in the Al-Anon program, reading the literature can start the recovery process.  We also talk about the benefits of belonging to a CAL study group, setting different types of boundaries, how we use our nose and knees in recovery, and detaching without using a hatchet! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM THERESA: "...I can love the alcoholic without loving the alcoholism." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Discovering Choices"  –  Episode 7: part 1 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 with Jan continues in part 2 of 2 (of Episode 4) with her favorite piece of outreach literature, the leaflet/questionnaire: "Did You Grow Up With A Problem Drinker?" (S-25).  This can be an eye-opening piece for people that realize they experienced the effects of alcoholism in their family, rather than just in their current relationship.  We discuss ways it can be used for outreach, workshops, and as a barometer for our recovery progress.  Find out what is like peanut butter and chocolate, and what we’d like to see on a bumper sticker! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM JAN: "I’ve learned to be a human being and not a human doing!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Did You Grow Up With A Problem Drinker?" "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 11: part 1 of 4,   Episode 11: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 11: part 4 of 4   Al-Anon Newcomer Packet   –  Episode 1: part 2 of 2,   Episode 10: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 4 of 5,   Adult Children of Alcoholics Newcomer Packet   –  Episode

How is alcoholism a disease of extremes?  What does the term "Adult Child" mean?  Am I trapped in a compulsive need?  In Episode 4 (part 1 of 2), Jan talks about her favorite section, pages 14-15, from the book "From Survival to Recovery: Growing Up in an Alcoholic Home" (B-21).  She shares which qualities of an Adult Child of an alcoholic that she identifies with, what a literature study group is like, and how this book can touch members of Alcoholics Anonymous too! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM JAN: "...you’ve got to feel it, before you can heal it and that’s the really good part of this book.  It really helps you to dig in!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "From Survival To Recovery"  –  Episode 11: part 1 of 4,   Episode 11: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 11: part 4 of 4  "Al-Anon Sharings from Adult Children"  2016 CAL Catalog    OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALChatFan1 

Outreach literature is the focus of this part 4 of 4 of Episode 3 where Cindy describes how she has creatively used the daily reader "Courage To Change" (B-16, B-17 for large print, eB-16 for the electronic version, and eA-16 for the audiobook version).  We eventually move into talking about Alateen literature and how those pieces can flow into Al-Anon and vice-versa because it’s all one program.  Everything is available to be read by anybody!  Lastly, listen to find out what page is possibly read the least in each daily reader! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM CINDY: "...what do you do about the alcoholic?  ...Tradition 5 tells us we encourage and understand.  I think that might be hard for a newcomer... to understand and encourage?!?  I'm trying just not to kill them!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Courage to Change"  –  Episode 9: part 1 of 4  &  Episode 9: part 2 of 4  "Courage to Change" (audiobook)  –  Episode 9: part 2 of 4  "Courage to Change" (electronic book)  –  Episode 9: part 2 of 4  "

Part 3 of 4 (of Episode 3) on the "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017" (P-24/27) moves into discussion with Cindy about how childhood experiences can influence how we see perfection, the Warranties (especially nonresistance from page 224), and punitive actions.  She also relates how Concepts 6 and 7 (from pages 193-194) have applied to her relationship with her children. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM CINDY: "When we're making progress, that is enough." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2  &  Episode 8: part 1 of 3  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 part 2 of 4 of Episode 3) with Cindy and her favorite book, the "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017" (P-24/27).  We explore pages 68-69 about moving forward, what progress realistically looks like, and how disagreements can actually be a good thing!  Pages 229 and 235 are also highlighted from the Concepts Amendments section and how it reminded me of a ring being passed down in a family.  Cindy shares about how this fellowship is an opportunity to belong to something bigger than ourselves and where newcomers and long timers can meet together on pages 26-27. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM CINDY: "...old-timers who've been around a long time have something unique to give and the newer members also have something unique to give and there is a place for all of it – and I find it in the Service Manual." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2  &  Episode 8: part 1 of 3  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRA

How can I give the gift of dignity to the alcoholic?  What page is possibly read the least in each daily reader?  How can my inner child voice be heard in a different way?  Episode 3 features a talk with Cindy about how the "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017" (P-24/27) has improved her life.  In this part 1 of 4, we discuss the spiritual principle of anonymity (from pages 91-94), how it is not a rule book, that it’s always evolving (much like our own recovery), and what it has in common with a Sponsor. QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM CINDY: "Al-Anon's always waiting there for me.  ...I feel that gentle recovery of other people helping guide me as I'm looking for answers and looking for guidance – it's there." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2014-2017"  –  Episode 1: part 1 of 2  &  Episode 8: part 1 of 3  OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:  Visit my "CAL Chat" blog - www.calchatblog.com  Instagram - www.instagram.com/CALCh

Part 2 of 2 (of Episode 2) continues the conversation with BJ and her favorite piece of outreach literature, the "Detachment" (S-19) leaflet.  We discuss detaching with love, being able to separate the disease from the alcoholic, and how Al-Anon is not a self-help program, but a we program! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM BJ: "I actually have this [Detachment] piece tattooed on the back of my eyelids!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "Detachment" 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 

Why is Al-Anon not considered a self-help recovery program?  How is detaching different than separating?  Am I making my spirit sick?  In part 1 of 2 (of Episode 2), BJ talks about her favorite reading, June 14th (pg 166), from the daily reader "One Day At A Time In Al-Anon" (B-6).  She shares her definition of serenity and mentions other possible side effects from taking the medicine of recovery.  A special *bonus material* hunt is involved with this particular page…  Can you find it?  Happy hunting! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM BJ: "If Al-Anon literature were children, this would be my favorite child." LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES: "One Day At A Time"  –  Episode 9: part 2 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/CALChatFan  Twitter - www.twitter.com/CALChatFan  "CAL Chat" website - www.calchatpodcast.com 

This podcast is part 2 of 2 of Episode 1.  The interview with Michael continues as he highlights his favorite parts from the Al-Anon Newcomer Packet (K-10) as outreach literature.  He also shares his experience coming to his first Al-Anon meeting!  We discuss the tendency to close ourselves off to literature that we think doesn’t apply to us and in the “Last Words” section, find out what Michael has in his life now more than he’s ever had! QUOTABLE MOMENT FROM MICHAEL: "...I’m going through a whole renaissance in my life… that’s really open and full of wonderful surprises.  And even the challenges are ok because I’ve got a Higher Power that’s in charge and I’ve got guidance galore!" LITERATURE MENTIONED & RELATED EPISODES:  Al-Anon Newcomer Packet   –  Episode 4: part 2 of 2,   Episode 10: part 3 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 4 of 5,  "Just For Today" (bookmark)  –  Episode 10: part 3 of 4,   Episode 10: part 4 of 4,  &  Episode 12: part 4 of 5   Men’s Newcomer Packet    "Al-Anon Is For Men"    Pa