This week’s reading assignment:
Yellow workbook page 86, the “Stored Anger (Resentment) Inventory” section OR BRB page 172
Red Book page 24, the two paragraphs beginning with the sentence, “Many adult children express anger . . .”
Yellow workbook page 86, Gentleness Break section and 4th Step Prayer
Recommended weekly reading:
“The Laundry List” or “The Problem,” “The Solution,” and “The Promises” on pages 587-591 of the Red Book or in the first several pages of the yellow workbook;
The Twelve Steps” on pages 91-92 of the Red Book (also on pages 1-2 of the workbook); and
“The Twelve Traditions” on page 592 of the Red Book
Tradition Three (the tradition for the month of March) in depth starting on page 503 of the Red Book
Suggested supplemental reading for this week’s Steps work:
Mellody, Pia, “Facing Codependence,” pages 49-52 under the heading “Resentment.” See ACAWSO’s Literature Policy: “It has always been accepted that ACA should remain eclectic in choosing literature. That is, ACA meetings may draw from various sources without censorship.”
Sichel, Mark, “Healing From Family Rifts,” Chapter 6 titled “Let Go of Resentment.” See ACAWSO’s Literature Policy: “It has always been accepted that ACA should remain eclectic in choosing literature. That is, ACA meetings may draw from various sources without censorship.”
Suggested supplemental reading for upcoming 5th Step work:
Red Book Chapter 11 titled “Sponsorship ~ Fellow Travelers”, pages 365 – 390
This week’s step study questions:
Yellow workbook page 87, the Stored Anger (Resentment) Worksheet. The following questions are adapted from this exercise:
What loss(es) do I resent? What event or situation caused the loss? How does the loss affect my self-worth, friendships, safety, ability to imagine, etc.? What was my reaction to the loss (anger, rebellion, withdrawal, passive/aggressive behavior, or other?) What was my Inner Child’s reaction to the loss (don’t talk, don’t trust, don’t feel, or other?)
“© Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization.”
Suggested supplemental journaling:
The section titled “Resentment” on pages 24-26 of AlAnon’s Blueprint for Progress, Revised Edition, copyright 2004.
Deep Dive questions:
A. How do I feel about the way my family dealt with angry situations?
B. Are there any people or organizations from childhood that I still feel angry with today? Why do I think that is?
C. What bothers me about the people I resent most?
D. How important is it for me to continue feeling angry with certain people?
© Al-Anon’s Blueprint for Progress Workbook
ACA Workbook Study 