Some key questions and perspectives from our founder written at AA’s 25th anniversary. His thoughts still ring true and relevant for what may be facing today (Excerpted from longer article) There is among us AAs the ever-present need for further spiritual growth. Here most of us show a heavy deficit, and I’m a notable example.Continue reading “AA Tomorrow – Grapevine Article July 1960 by Bill W”
Category Archives: AA History
‘How It Works’ Works For Me – Grapevine Article October 2003 by Diane S.
As a newcomer, I first heard “How It Works” before I ever picked up a Big Book. It conveyed the essence of the program in a couple of minutes. Its repetition over the years has served as a general reminder. After all, alcoholics have short memories. Legend has it that Bill W. wrote “How ItContinue reading “‘How It Works’ Works For Me – Grapevine Article October 2003 by Diane S.”
How 14 groups grew to 22 – Grapevine Article January 1945 by Frank S.
This article was reprinted in the the November 2018 Grapevine that focused on AA History. In 1944, AA’s cofounder, Bill W., swings through California to lend a helping hand to the new groups Just over one year ago, Bill made a two-month visit to the West Coast, one month of which was spent in LosContinue reading “How 14 groups grew to 22 – Grapevine Article January 1945 by Frank S.”
Your Move – Grapevine Article July 2000 by Willa R.
False ideals Readers tell us about their favorite passages in AA literature. By the age of twenty-six I had all the ingredients of success as defined by our society: money, recognition, and the ability to buy all the trappings; yet I wasn’t happy and neither were the people I met who had the same advantages.Continue reading “Your Move – Grapevine Article July 2000 by Willa R.”
Behind Our Excuses – As Bill Sees It #267
As excuse-makers and rationalizers, we drunks are champions. It is the business of the psychiatrist to find the deeper causes for our conduct. Though uninstructed in psychiatry, we can, after a little time in A.A., see that our motives have not been what we thought they were, and that we have been motivated by forcesContinue reading “Behind Our Excuses – As Bill Sees It #267”
Crayons, Cookies & Kisses – Grapevine Article November 2019 by D.B.
With Steps, coffee and baskets of toys, some California mothers stay sober together Having been around these rooms for some time, I have formed and rejected many opinions regarding special-interest groups in the hallowed halls of Alcoholics Anonymous. I would like to share an experience that began as a special-interest group, but has grown intoContinue reading “Crayons, Cookies & Kisses – Grapevine Article November 2019 by D.B.”
A Realm Beyond Craving – Grapevine Article March 1950 by N.H.
The statement is often made in AA that our problem is primarily one of “right thinking”–a problem of the intellect–and that the more thoroughly we can rid ourselves of our emotions, the better. But we also know we can no more stop feeling than we can stop breathing. Any situation in which we find ourselvesContinue reading “A Realm Beyond Craving – Grapevine Article March 1950 by N.H.”
Fred’s Story; Self Knowledge Doesn’t Work – Big Book pages 41 thru 43
“I went to my hotel and leisurely dressed for dinner. As I crossed the threshold of the dining room, the thought came to mind that it would be nice to have a couple of cocktails with dinner. That was all. Nothing more. I ordered a cocktail and my meal. Then I ordered another cocktail. AfterContinue reading “Fred’s Story; Self Knowledge Doesn’t Work – Big Book pages 41 thru 43”
Again at the Crossroads – Grapevine Article November 1961 by Bill W.
WE AAs are everywhere developing a keener sense of our history and the meaning of its turning points. Moreover, I believe that we are getting a right sense of our history; something of the utmost importance indeed. The world’s past reveals that many societies and nations have fallen victims to fear and pride, or to their aggressiveContinue reading “Again at the Crossroads – Grapevine Article November 1961 by Bill W.”
Anonymity – Grapevine Article January 2000 by Diane O.
Its Necessity Today I believe that anonymity–the spiritual substance of it–is more important than ever today. The spiritual substance of anonymity–self-sacrifice–is the cement that binds us, that allows us to stay alive and well and growing. Most of us arrived in AA as egomaniacs, power drivers, manipulators, glory seekers, and islands unto ourselves, self-obsessed andContinue reading “Anonymity – Grapevine Article January 2000 by Diane O.”