To expect too much is to have a sentimental view of life, and this is a softness that ends in bitterness. —Flannery O’Connor Having too-high expectations is a setup for disappointment. Expectations that are high lend themselves to a fantasy life, and reality can never match our fantasies. When we get hooked on the fantasies,Continue reading “Examining Our Expectations – Each Day A New Beginning May 9th”
Author Archives: Bruce McPherson
What a Sponsor Is and Is Not – Grapevine Article December 2004 By Hilary T.
The opportunity to help another alcoholic work the Steps and live in the solution keeps me in the heart of what recovery is all about. It has helped me to feel a “part of”–something I had tried to do for years. But it turned out to be as simple as sharing my experience, strength, andContinue reading “What a Sponsor Is and Is Not – Grapevine Article December 2004 By Hilary T.”
The Man I’ve Always Wanted To Be – Grapevine Article October 1990 By WM.J.
In November 1977, during one of my many stays “around” the program, an Al-Anon member asked me why I wouldn’t work AA’s Twelve Steps. In all sincerity I told him, “I don’t need the Steps to stay sober. The Fellowship of AA is enough to keep me sober.” I kept slippin’ and slidin’ around theContinue reading “The Man I’ve Always Wanted To Be – Grapevine Article October 1990 By WM.J.”
Compelling Love – As Bill Sees It #273
The life of each A.A. and of each group is built around our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. We know that the penalty for extensive disobedience to these principles is death for the individual and dissolution for the group. But an even greater force for A.A.’s unity is our compelling love for our fellow membersContinue reading “Compelling Love – As Bill Sees It #273”
Who Is A Member Of Alcoholics Anonymous – Grapevine Article August 1946 By Bill W.
The origins of our Third Tradition The first edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous makes this brief statement about membership: “The only requirement for membership is an honest desire to stop drinking. We are not allied with any particular faith, sect or denomination, nor do we oppose anyone. We simply wish to be helpful to those whoContinue reading “Who Is A Member Of Alcoholics Anonymous – Grapevine Article August 1946 By Bill W.”
The Now Of Creativity – Each Day A New Beginning January 2nd
I believe that true identify is found . . . in creative activity springing from within. It is found, paradoxically, when one loses oneself. Woman can best re-find herself by losing herself in some kind of creative activity of her own.–Anne Morrow Lindbergh Creative activity might mean bird watching, tennis, quilting, cooking, painting, writing. CreativeContinue reading “The Now Of Creativity – Each Day A New Beginning January 2nd”
“Hope” Is The Thing With Feathers – Recovery Poem By Emily Dickinson
Our friend Owen G. suggested this poem as one that has been foundational in his recovery and his experience in helping others. It has been added to the growing ‘Recovery Poems’ section of the gugogs.org website. Do you have a poem that has helped in your recovery that you’re willing to share with us? LetContinue reading ““Hope” Is The Thing With Feathers – Recovery Poem By Emily Dickinson”
Living With Our Conscience – A Spiritual Principle A Day December 19th
“In the end, we are the ones who must live with our conscience. In order to do so comfortably, we must decide what is, and what is not, morally acceptable in our lives.” It Works, Step Ten Page 365 There’s some irony in the fact that self-centeredness can make it difficult to stay in ourContinue reading “Living With Our Conscience – A Spiritual Principle A Day December 19th”
Self Acceptance As We Respond Differently To Our ‘Should Monster’ – Extract From Chapter 6 Of ‘The Self Forgiveness Handbook’ By Thom Rutledge
Thom Rutledge partners with Dr. Allen Berger on his Emotional Sobriety podcasts. A topic that relates to emotional sobriety , healing our divided selves, and toxic shame is what Thom calls the ‘should monster’ and Allen describes as ‘shoulding’ all over ourselves. Toxic shame is an identity that we are a mistake rather than weContinue reading “Self Acceptance As We Respond Differently To Our ‘Should Monster’ – Extract From Chapter 6 Of ‘The Self Forgiveness Handbook’ By Thom Rutledge”
Toward Maturity – As Bill Sees It #244
Many oldsters who have put our A.A. “booze cure” to severe but successful tests still find they often lack emotional sobriety. To attain this, we must develop real maturity and balance (which is to say, humility) in our relations with ourselves, with our fellows, and with God. *************** Let A.A. never be a closed corporation;Continue reading “Toward Maturity – As Bill Sees It #244”