What are the Al-Anon slogans?

Short, memorable sayings — like "One Day at a Time," "Let Go and Let God," and "Easy Does It" — that capture core program ideas in a few words. Members use them as quick reminders in stressful everyday moments.

What does "One Day at a Time" mean?

It's a reminder to focus on today instead of being overwhelmed by the past or the future. Facing just the next 24 hours makes a hard situation feel more manageable.

What does "Let Go and Let God" mean?

It's about releasing what we can't control — including someone else's drinking — and trusting a Power greater than ourselves, which each member interprets in their own personal way.

What does "How Important Is It?" mean?

It invites you to pause before reacting and ask whether something is truly worth your energy. Members use it to let go of small irritations and avoid getting pulled into conflict.

How do the slogans help newcomers?

They offer simple, practical tools you can use right away — before reading the literature or working the Steps. Repeating a slogan can steady you in a difficult moment.

Al-Anon Slogans

The Al-Anon slogans are short, easy to remember, and surprisingly powerful in their simplicity. Members lean on them as quick reminders of program principles in everyday situations. The slogans go hand in hand with the Twelve Steps.

How Important Is It?

“It’s not important for me to comment on everything I hear. It is important for me to let go and let others make decisions for themselves.” Hope For Today (B‑27), p. 142

“Al‑Anon helped me to let live by teaching me about detachment and helping me to see that many of my problems stemmed from minding everyone’s business but my own.” Courage to Change (B-16), p. 238

Easy Does It

“‘Easy Does It’ suggests not only that I learn to slow down, but also that I learn to lighten up. Today I will strive to take a more accepting attitude toward myself and to enjoy the day, regardless of what I achieve.” Courage To Change (B‑16), p. 93

“Improving our own attitudes, and our own state of mind, takes time. Haste and impatience can only defeat our purposes.” This Is Al‑Anon (P‑32), p. 9

Keep an Open Mind

“When I count my blessings, I remember to count Al-Anon’s gift of hope.” Hope For Today (B-27), p. 366

“If you try to keep an open mind, you will find help. You will come to realize that there is no situation too difficult to be bettered and no unhappiness too great to be lessened.” (Suggested Al‑Anon/Alateen Closing), This Is Al‑Anon (P-32), p. 11

T.H.I.N.K.

Consider the initials of this word as a checklist. Refrain from speaking unless all of the words ring true: Is it Thoughtful, Honest, Intelligent, Necessary, Kind?

Progress Not Perfection

“A mistake a day keeps my perfectionism at bay. Today I will endeavor to enjoy my humanness.” Hope for Today (B-27), p. 335

Keep Coming Back

“They asked me to come back. I told them I had to go home and vacuum, that I really didn’t have the time – and, if they had anything to tell me, they should write it down and I would review it. They smiled and said, ‘Just Keep Coming Back’! They exchanged hugs – which I did not like or want. I ran out!” Many Voices, One Journey (B-31, #60), p. 191

“Some members are initially reluctant to go to meetings, but ultimately remain in Al‑Anon for many years. Was I reluctant to attend Al‑Anon meetings? What kept me coming back?” Many Voices, One Journey (B-31), p. 192

One Day at a Time

“I will keep always in mind that today is my sole concern, and that I will make it as good a day as I can.” One Day at a Time in Al‑Anon (B-6), p. 79

Listen and Learn

“Al-Anon’s slogan, ‘Listen and Learn’ reminds us that if we have the self-discipline to be quiet and pay attention to others’ words, we can learn a tremendous amount about ourselves and our world.” How Al‑Anon Works for Families & Friends of Alcoholics (B-32), p. 97–98

Together We Can Make It

“We must learn to lean on others, and sometimes accept others’ leaning on us. We must share our experience, strength, and hope with others so that we can all grow. We can’t do it alone. No man is an island, no one is a rock. Only by truthfulness and trust can we grow in Alateen. ‘Together We Can Make It.’” Alateen: Hope for Children of Alcoholics (B‑3), p. 49

Live and Let Live

“Our only concern should be our own conduct, our own improvement, our own lives. We are entitled to our own view of things, and we have no right to inflict it on anyone else.” Alcoholism, the Family Disease (P-4), p. 17

Frequently Asked Questions

Short, memorable sayings — like "One Day at a Time," "Let Go and Let God," and "Easy Does It" — that capture core program ideas in a few words. Members use them as quick reminders in stressful everyday moments.
It's a reminder to focus on today instead of being overwhelmed by the past or the future. Facing just the next 24 hours makes a hard situation feel more manageable.
It's about releasing what we can't control — including someone else's drinking — and trusting a Power greater than ourselves, which each member interprets in their own personal way.
It invites you to pause before reacting and ask whether something is truly worth your energy. Members use it to let go of small irritations and avoid getting pulled into conflict.
They offer simple, practical tools you can use right away — before reading the literature or working the Steps. Repeating a slogan can steady you in a difficult moment.