This appeared in the Alanon Forum magazine many years ago.  I heard this read at my Saturday morning meeting a few weeks ago and recently got a copy.  Here's to passing it on. 

Yagottawanna

A small picture frame containing the odd looking word "yagottawanna" hangs on a wall in our local Alano Club, and has for more than a decade.  It says: You have to want to receive the wealth of benefits which the Al-Anon program offers.  You gotta want to.  Yagottawanna.

To me, that one-word slogan is the key that unlocks the treasure house of Al-Anon gold. It says:

• Yagottawanna go to that first meeting as a step out of the pit of despair
• Yagottawanna go to the meeting after meeting after meeting if you desire progress
• Yagottawanna listen when you get there
• Yagottawanna do what it says to do
• Yagottawanna work the Twelve Steps, not merely analyze them.  The program only works when you do it- and you gottawanna do it.
• Yagottawanna read the slogans and every piece of Al-anon literature you can find
• Yagottawanna think about what you read and apply it to your life.  That little slogan tells me yagottawanna keep from nitpicking and trying to control.  Look at your own character defects and correct them.
• Yagottawanna be happy and smile through life. 
• Yagottawanna not allow others to drag your mood down
• Yagottawanna live life just for today or your vision will be haunted by the ghost of yesterday and the uncertainties of tomorrow.  Today is only enjoyable when you can see it.  But, yagottawanna see it.
• Yagottawanna think postivie, avoiding negative ways. 
• Yagottawanna take time to meditate and talk to your Higher Power. 
• Yagottawanna set yourself free by applying the first Three Steps

When you live with the problem of alcoholism, you carry the burden of the world.  Alanon is a way of release.  But, as the little slogan says, yagottawanna. 

Submitted by Bill B., Illinois in the Forum magazine