Al-Anon’s Slogans
The Al-Anon program includes several simple, familiar, easy-to-remember “slogans” that
members have found helpful for coping with a variety of circumstances. Our slogans
include the following:
Keep It Simple:
The slogan, “Keep It Simple” helps to remind us that simple solutions are
Keep
often the most effective ones. This slogan can help us look at what really is It
happening rather than what we imagine may happen, and to take a
reasonable, step by step approach rather than act out of fear or panic. Simple
But For The Grace Of God: But For
The slogan, “But For The Grace Of God” helps to remind us to be
The
compassionate with others, including the alcoholics in our lives. This slogan
can help us avoid impatience, criticism, resentment, and vengefulness, which
Grace
does harm to ourselves as well as to others. Of God
Easy Does It:
The slogan, “Easy Does It” helps us remember that trying to “force
Easy
solutions” often does not work. We may not be able to solve every problem in Does
the time frame we wish to solve it in. Some problems may not be for us to
solve. Sometimes a gentler, more patient approach is more effective and less It
frustrating.
First Things First:
The slogan, “First Things First” helps us to set reasonable priorities and to
First
keep a realistic perspective. This slogan helps us to make choices we are Things
comfortable with, and to act with balance rather than react to crises.
First
Just For Today:
The slogan, “Just For Today” tells us that things are more manageable when
Just
we deal with and live in the present. Things that seem way too difficult to For
manage long term may seem more manageable if we deal with them just for Today
today. We can move forward in small steps rather than be overwhelmed by
trying to change everything at one time. This is described further in the Al-Anon
pamphlet, Just For Today.
Let It Begin With Me:
The slogan, “Let It Begin With Me” helps us to keep the focus on and be
L et I t
responsible for our own actions and behaviors. This slogan helps us to take Begin
action to change the things we can change and to take the responsibility to With
With
get our own needs met, rather than waiting for others to change or to meet
our needs for us. Me
Me
How Important Is It? How
The slogan, “How Important Is It” helps us to have perspective, to
determine what is of most value to us personally, and to avoid being upset Important
over things that are of minimal importance at the moment. It helps free
us to appreciate the good things that life offers.
Is It?
Think:
The slogan, “Think” helps us to remember to think before we act on or react
Think
to situations. This slogan helps us make good decisions about how to act. Think
When we apply this slogan, it helps free us from distorted thinking and
impulsive, potentially destructive decision-making. Think
One Day At A Time:
The slogan, “One Day At A Time” provides a practical approach to challenges
One
and fears. We focus our energies on dealing productively with today, and we Day
give up worrying about a future we can not predict or control and about a
past we cannot change. It helps us break overwhelming tasks into manageable
At A
steps. Time
Keep An Open Mind: Keep
The slogan, “Keep An Open Mind” helps us to be open to ideas from sources An
that we might not have imagined could be helpful. It helps us to take
Open
advantage of all opportunities.
Mind
Live And Let Live:
The slogan, “Live And Let Live” has two parts. “Let live” reminds us to allow
Live
others the dignity of making their own decisions and experiencing the and Let
consequences of their decisions and choices. By minding our own business, we Live
are freed from feeling responsible for changing other. We also learn to “live”
by taking care of our own physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Let Go And Let God: Let Go
The slogan, “Let Go And Let God” helps us to let go of trying to control
things we can not control. When our attempts at control are not working, And
when we feel we have run out of options, when we don’t know what we can do,
Let God
this slogan helps us trust that a Power greater than ourselves will help us
when the time is right.
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
The Al-Anon literature has many references to these slogans, along with information and
stories about how Al-Anon members apply these slogans to their daily lives. Perhaps the
best way to learn more about these tools for recovery is to attend an Al-Anon meeting and
listen to other members describe how they use the slogans, and share their experience,
strength and hope in recovery.
