The experience of surrender is the gateway to recovery from addiction. To paraphrase the first Step of the AA 12-Step program, at this moment we experience an acceptance that we lack control and that our life is unmanageable. Our ego surrenders its will through the pain and suffering of addiction. Our denial is broken, and we experienceContinue reading “Surrender, Vulnerability and Connection By Steve K.”
Author Archives: Bruce McPherson
Amends Without Expectations – Just For Today October 6th
06 October The Eighth Step asks us to become willing to make amends to all persons we have harmed. As we approach this step, we may wonder what the outcome of our amends will be. Will we be forgiven? Relieved of any lingering guilt? Or will we be tarred and feathered by the persons we’veContinue reading “Amends Without Expectations – Just For Today October 6th”
The Gift Of Awareness – By Bonnie Weiss
The capacity of awareness is foundational in personal growth work—it’s the lens through which all meaningful change becomes possible. You can’t change what you can’t see. High-quality awareness—clear, non-judgmental noticing of your thoughts, feelings, patterns, and behaviors—creates space between stimulus and response. That space is where true choice lives. Much of our suffering comes fromContinue reading “The Gift Of Awareness – By Bonnie Weiss”
Releasing Obsessions – The Language Of Letting Go October 4th By Melody Beattie
I encountered my first obsession when I was eleven years old. I’d been sent to church by my mother on this Sunday morning and was trudging down a large hill as I began the ten-block walk when a girl I didn’t know, who seemed to be about my age, stopped me. “This will help,” sheContinue reading “Releasing Obsessions – The Language Of Letting Go October 4th By Melody Beattie”
Cold Land Warm Hearts – Grapevine Article December 2023 By Keith J.
How would they find alcoholics to help in a small, remote Arctic town? One guy had a terrific solution Moving north to a remote community is something I never thought we would do. We heard depressing stories about the cold, dark winters and leaving everything and everyone behind, but God had an assignment for meContinue reading “Cold Land Warm Hearts – Grapevine Article December 2023 By Keith J.”
Keeping The Gift – Just For Today September 22nd
“Life takes on a new meaning when we open ourselves to this gift.” Basic Text, p. 107 ❖ Neglecting our recovery is like neglecting any other gift we’ve been given. Suppose someone gave you a new car. Would you let it sit in the driveway until the tires rotted? Would you just drive it, ignoringContinue reading “Keeping The Gift – Just For Today September 22nd”
I Stand At The Door – Recovery Poem By Sam Shoemaker (Who Bill W Describes As A Co-Founder of AA)
In our monthly speaker meeting, Rachel M. read this powerful poem written by Sam Shoemaker who Bill W describes as an AA co-founder. You may also find Sam’s Grapevine article entitled ‘“The Spiritual Angle of AA” worthwhile. Sam Shoemaker(1893-1963) was an Episcopal priest who was instrumental in the Oxford Group and founding principles of AlcoholicsContinue reading “I Stand At The Door – Recovery Poem By Sam Shoemaker (Who Bill W Describes As A Co-Founder of AA)”
Victory In Defeat – As Bill Sees It #135
Convinced I never could belong, and vowing I’d never settle for any second-rate status, I felt I simply had to dominate in everything I chose to do: work or play. As this attractive formula for the good life began to succeed, according to my then specifications of success, I became deliriously happy. But when anContinue reading “Victory In Defeat – As Bill Sees It #135”
Humility Is Living In Reality – A Spiritual Principle A Day September 9th
In early recovery, we often find ourselves going from unrealistic, grandiose self-perception to believing we are the worst person in history. It’s that familiar addict pendulum swing–from one extreme to the other (with an optional sound effect): I’m a spiritual giant deserving of high praise–WHOOSH!–I’m a worthless piece of trash. I’m the hottest person here–WHOOSH!–I’mContinue reading “Humility Is Living In Reality – A Spiritual Principle A Day September 9th”
Hope Arrived – Grapevine Article January 2025 By Liz J.
On a cold winter night when all seemed lost, she walked into her first AA meeting and came out a changed person Earlier in the day, Chris cleared the snow off the minivan. He still takes care of me, even though he is so angry that he won’t even look at me. As I reverseContinue reading “Hope Arrived – Grapevine Article January 2025 By Liz J.”