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). (A printable PDF version of the index can be downloaded as *bonus content* for this episode at CAL Chat's official website: www.calchatpodcast.com or if you prefer an interactive version of the index online where you can jump link to different sub-indexed words, visit my CAL Chat blog at: https://calchatblog.com/reaching-index.) Mark also 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

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• 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! A printable PDF version can be downloaded as *bonus content* for this episode at CAL Chat's official website: www.calchatpodcast.com or if you prefer an interactive version of the index online where you can jump link to different sub-indexed words, visit my CAL Chat blog at: https://calchatblog.com/reaching-index. 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

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

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

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

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 – Hope for Children of Alcoholics" – Episode 10: part 2 of 4
• "Courage To Be Me" – Episode 8: part 1 of 3, Episode 8: part 2 of 3, & Episode 10: part 2 of 4
• "Alateen Talks Back On: Slogans" – Episode 10: part 2 of 4
• "Alateen Talks Back On: Acceptance"
• "Alateen Talks Back On: Detachment" – Episode 8: part 2 of 3
• "Alateen Talks Back On: Serenity"

OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:

• Visit my CAL Chat blog - www.calchatblog.com

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

Nancy's pick of literature to use for outreach purposes is "How Al-Anon Works" (B-22 for hardcover, eA-22 for the audiobook version, eB-22 for the electronic version, and B-32 for softcover) 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, & Episode 13: parts 5 - 11
• "How Al-Anon Works" (audiobook) – Episode 13: part 9 of 11 & Episode 13: part 10 of 11
• "How Al-Anon Works" (electronic book)
• "Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2017" – Episode 5: part 4 of 4, Episode 7: part 4 of 5, Episode 9: part 3 of 4, & Episode 9: part 4 of 4

OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:

• Visit my CAL Chat blog - www.calchatblog.com

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

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

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

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

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

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 & CELEBRATE AL-ANON / ALATEEN LITERATURE:

• Visit my CAL Chat blog - www.calchatblog.com

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

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

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com

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

• YouTube - www.youtube.com/​@CALChatPodcast

• Instagram - www.instagram.com/​CALChatFan1

• Threads - www.threads.net/​@CALChatFan1

• Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/​CALChatFan

• Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/​CALChatFan.bsky.social

• CAL Chat website - www.calchatpodcast.com