Al-Anon Literature.

Today's reading in Hope for Today is about the use of Al-Anon books and pamphlets. I've always been a voracious reader, so I was thrilled to discover that Al-Anon had a small library of program publications. I found, and still find, the daily readers an invaluable resource.

I recall a newcomer saying to me, "I read the entire book last night, so now what?" about Courage to Change. I suggested that she try reading it as a daily practise, and spending some time studying the message, and giving it more than superficial thought. She stated firmly that she never read a book twice.

I couldn't help but laugh, and when she asked why, I went on to explain that I had read the book cover to cover many times, and then, in times of stress, searching the index for specific topics. I'd had to replace it once, as it had fallen apart, and with the quality of the binding on these little books, that takes some doing.

When I can't get to a meeting, when I can't reach my sponsor or a program friend, when I need some calm certainty to centre me, I reach for an Al-Anon book. I treasure my daily readers. I read a couple of the day's readings each morning, with my first coffee. It gives me a relaxed and balanced start to my day, and I can go out into my world fortified with the wisdom of program.

It doesn't seem to matter how many times I've read some of these readings, they are fresh and pertinent, each time I read them again. That's my Higher Power working.