Courage to Change: One Day at a Time in Al-Anon II

by Al-Anon Family Groups

The daily meditations, reminders, and prayers from Courage to Change help families encourage their recovering alcoholic loved ones and point to Al-Anon's impact as a vital part of recovery.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Addiction, Psychology, Spirituality, Reference, Personal Development

380 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1992

Reviews

[Trux · Rating 4 out of 5]

After two years, I think I've read most of this book; its format is the "daily inspiration" type with a reading for each day of the year. Yes, I sometimes read some of the text with a touch of sarcasm in my voice, but one of the awesome things I've learned in Al-Anon is to TAKE WHAT YOU LIKE AND LEAVE THE REST. Most of these readings are big sanity-savers for me, and a few of them are bookmarked as life-saving in times of stress, etc.

If anyone who is NOT a 12-stepper is reading my notes on this book, I'm not going to convince you to try to read this. I don't know if it would make sense to people not working a 12 step program, but a lot of the principles are very Eckhart Tolle-ish and I'm sure a lot of other popular in-the-present self-helpy guru types.

Most of the profound and life-changing stuff that I'm learning in Al-Anon and from literature (or propaganda, if you shudder at 12 step cultlikeness) like this hasn't been stuff that changed my qualifying alcoholic; that's not what it's about, contrary to what some people reviewing this book or talking about Al-Anon have said. The whole point is that you CAN'T control other people's illnesses. It's about relinquishing the illusion of control so you can experience serenity. In practical terms it saves my life in moments of anxiety, like when having a panic attack on an airplane NOTHING was helping me until I finally opened this book up, looked in the index under FEAR, and read about staying in the moment, etc. Yes, you can find this kind of advice elsewhere, but Al-Anon helps you make applying that advice a PRACTICE where you have more tools and support than you might elsewhere.

Anyway, my day is better when I take a couple of minutes to read something from this book and remind myself of things that work and things that don't.

[Lori Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a morning essential. I could not live without it--wise and inspiring.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific daily reader for anyone who struggles with self-esteem, OCD, depression, codependency, addiction in any form (internet, shopping, food, booze, gambling, etc) or someone who lives with a person struggling with addiction or dependency.

[Amy Bruestle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book with daily readings for anyone, especially those in recovery or alanon.

[Jennifer]

i've been reading this recovery lit now and then for many years. its the best ever, light borderline nerdy touch, not preachy, and not Goddy. God as we know is different depending on if we belong to a small sect in Thousand Oaks or are a way fun church lady who sells vintage items for incredibly cheap. i like my advice without controversy, so i stick to this unappealingly colored little number for daily thoughts.

[Marni Tagami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daily meditations on how to face your loved one's addiction and not let it control you. Do not let co-dependence rule your life. You can love the addict, but you don't have to accept the behavior. You don't necessarily have to leave the addict; you do need to know how to cope and not have your own life swallowed up by the addict. It's a great little devotional that encourages, instructs, and reminds you of your own strengths.

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess I'll always be reading this book! I now pick it every day and almost every daily meditation is useful. I sometimes peruse by topic but then I tend to overdo it and put it down with nothing to focus on. Eternally grateful for Al-Anon and it's literature. Too simple to be so brilliant!

[Mel Salcedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completed but not “finished “ as this is a book I will be reading daily for my lifetime. My favorite of the daily Al Anon readers, as it is more contemporary than others. I always take something away .

[Romeo Ballayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alcohol ruins dreams, families, friendships, relationships, and kills all hopes. This disease is devastating. This book has truly been a blessing to find. The daily teachings are so on point and full of passion, wisdom, and accuracy. Even if you aren’t dealing with an alcoholic or the effects of alcoholism, I truly suggest you get this book anyways! It is totally worth it on so many levels!

[Suzanne Singman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Al-anon. a wonderful way to live a life. Even if you didn't have someone on in your life affected by alcohol, this is a great program for living. How to focus on yourself and the things you can control. How to let go and let the universe. I do love the program.

[Jonathan Tennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great daily reader for those with friends and/or family suffering from the effects of addiction. After reading it cover to cover, I’ve found it useful to open it to any page at random and see what wisdom it contains. But far be it from me to tell anyone else how to read it.

[Chris Gager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every day something great to read. My first Alanon reader. Date is for the beginning.

[Jeff (Jake) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great daily reader for anyone who has an alcoholic family member, friend or co-worker.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful day-to-day reminder to keep your serenity no matter what life throws at you.

[Vicki Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helped me through a very difficult time in my life and I continue to turn to it when I need a new perspective within myself.

[Charlotte Wrenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a jewel of a book that stays on my bedside.

[Walleye23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great how to live your life in the chaos of alcoholism.

[Alexandra Chauran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been in Al-Anon, for friends and families of alcoholics, for one year today.

[Chelsea Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite meditation book, at least during this part of my journey. I get such a good thought to think about and work on throughout the day.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

[Tania Bradkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really don't want to rate this book bc I'm not in the program but I read this book so I could better assist people that are and understand the foundation of the Al Anon Program...the daily intentions provided in this book is incredible for an adult to benefit from and they are short and concise. I would like to see a teenager/youth version of this book as some of the themes may not resonate with youth today, may be too adult in some ways. Children of alcoholics do grow up faster than others but it doesnt mean the tools we provide them with cant be more tailored to recapture developmental stages that may not have been mastered and can be in their healing journey.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Alanon Daily Meditation. It seems to be for my present life. This book has helped me through so many years to stay detached from everything that hits my codependent heart. It's also helped me to get over men I was addicted to. I was able to acknowledge my powerless over other people and let them go. So it did not hurt to let them leave whereas before i felt like i was dying from the pain of rejection. This book and Alanon has saved my life. It opened me up to a whole new world. 🌎 I'm so grateful for my higher power, Alanon and Daily meditation books.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful for the day that I accompanied a friend to her first Al Anon meeting and was introduced to the 12 steps and Al Anon materials. I have been helped by every bit of Al Anon approved material that I have read. I truly believe the 12 steps are for everyone and are the key to living an emotionally mature and healthy life. I will be reading and rereading these books for the rest of my life.

[Olive · Rating 4 out of 5]

It almost seems silly to say that I've "read" this and checked it off my list. This is a daily reader and while I've read it nearly daily for a few years... I'm always re-reading it. 4 stars but only because I have another in the Al-Anon literature that I favor more ('Hope for Today').

[Jennifer Jessop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book two years in a row and will probably read it again next year. It is very beneficial not only for readers whose lives have been affected in some way by alcoholism, but also for anyone recovering from their hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

[Lisa Bear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ongoing read for me. It's the first thing I do in the morning while I drink my coffee. Some days are more inspirational than others but the reads can hit it on the head at the best of times.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been reading this book over and over since 1997. My copy is ragged, marked and taped together. I've read it two or three times in Spanish as well. It is incredible to me how much I keep learning from it.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a good guide to life's important knowledge.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Help me a lot during a rough time

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good daily advice for people who are in families where someone is struggling with addictions.