What are the four primary ideas? How have they been active in my recovery?. * We are powerless over the problem of alcoholism. * Step 1: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. * Admitting my powerlessness freed me to come to Al-Anon * It took many events to bring true acceptance of my powerlessness * I could not find serenity and peace in my life until I accepted my powerlessness * We can turn our lives over to a Power greater than ourselves. * Step 2: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. * I don’t have to do it alone. * The groups and the literature are a source of help / new ideas / tools. * Step 3: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. * I discovered that if I listen, if I pay attention, I will get guidance. * “Still, small voice” * Other members * “coincidences”  * The phrase “care of” God is important to me. * We need to change both our attitude and our actions. * What attitudes did I need to change? * I know what is best for my loved one. * It is my duty to “fix” other people. * If I can’t, I am a failure. * What actions came from those attitudes? * All the things I did to try to convince her to stop drinking * Raging * But also, * I’m not allowed to be happy unless others are happy. * It is selfish to do things I want to do, if others don’t want to do those things * My well-being is dependent on my loved ones’ well-being. * I need your approval to know that I am a good person. * And what actions came from those attitudes? * Putting others' needs and wants ahead of mine. * Not knowing my own needs and wants. * Not doing things that I want to do * Approval seeking * We keep Al-Anon’s gifts by sharing them with others. * You were there for me! * When I listen to you, I hear my own experience. (“How is that you are living inside my head?!”) This won’t happen if I’m not in a meeting or talking with another member. * Being a sponsor required that I dig deeper into my own recovery. * Sharing my own ESH reminds me of where I came from and how much progress I have made. It inspires me to keep on working. Readings and Links We read from the 2022–2025 Al-Anon Alateen Service Manual, p. 20, “Four Primary Ideas” Upcoming topics You can contribute to our annual gratitude episode. What are you grateful for today? Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email [email protected] with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here. Music from the Show