One day in a quiet suburban neighborhood, a meeting of two friends becomes a life-saving opportunity to reach out A dear AA friend and former sponsor and I decided to have lunch together. She had been a support to me for many years and had sponsored me through very difficult times, including the death ofContinue reading “No Ordinary Lunch – Grapevine Article December 2024 By Anonymous”
Category Archives: Amends
From Willfulness To Willingness – Practice These Principles By Ray A.
I believe our daily, moment by moment movement between willfulness and willingness is at the heart of the phrase used in the Big Book … the ‘proper use of the will’ (BB p.85). I also see this movement as having tremendous value in adding a new paradigm of ‘response ability’ to this way of livingContinue reading “From Willfulness To Willingness – Practice These Principles By Ray A.”
The Twelve Steps And Shame – Steps 1 -3 Booklet By Mic Hunter
What Is Shame? Shame is that burning in our faces when we think those around us have finally figured out how worthless we are. We think we’re inadequate or worthless. It’s when we hate to look anyone in the eye; when time seems to crawl and we wish we could disappear. It makes us feelContinue reading “The Twelve Steps And Shame – Steps 1 -3 Booklet By Mic Hunter”
Forgiving Others, Forgiving Ourselves – Spiritual Principle A Day – September 21st
“Sometimes the path to forgiving ourselves begins with forgiving another for their lack of forgiveness.” Living Clean, Chapter 5, “Amends and Reconciliation” At first glance, this quote may sound like a riddle, but our experience validates its wisdom. Hoping to be forgiven is only human. Despite advice to the contrary, we sometimes harbor expectations aboutContinue reading “Forgiving Others, Forgiving Ourselves – Spiritual Principle A Day – September 21st”
Cluttered Spirits – Just For Today Reflection September 4th
As long as we still owe amends, our spirits are cluttered with things we don’t need. We’re carrying the extra load of an apology owed, a resentment held, or unexpressed remorse. It’s like having a messy house. We could leave so we don’t have to see the mess, or maybe just step over the pilesContinue reading “Cluttered Spirits – Just For Today Reflection September 4th”
Pray For Those You Resent – More Language Of Letting Go August 11th By Melody Beattie
Years ago, when I spotted the Stillwater Gazette, the oldest family-owned daily newspaper in existence, I knew I wanted to work there. I could feel it– in my bones and in my heart. When I went in to the offices to apply for the job, however, the owner didn’t have the same feeling I did.Continue reading “Pray For Those You Resent – More Language Of Letting Go August 11th By Melody Beattie”
Enduring Loss; Reclaiming Joy – A Spiritual Principle A Day June 16th
“We come to understand that happiness is an inside job, a spiritual experience that can get stronger with recovery. We find that no matter what happens on the outside, joy can still live within us.” Living Clean, Chapter 7, “Love” As far as spiritual principles go, joy is uncomplicated. It can be elusive, however. InContinue reading “Enduring Loss; Reclaiming Joy – A Spiritual Principle A Day June 16th”
What Matters Most – Grapevine Article September 2021 By Kristin S.
Sometimes the results of our efforts to make amends take years. Sometimes they come after a lot of painful rejection. God’s timing is often mysterious, but it’s perfect. My dad and I had a rocky relationship while I was drinking. He kicked me out and had very little to do with me near the end.Continue reading “What Matters Most – Grapevine Article September 2021 By Kristin S.”
To Take Responsibility – As Bill Sees It #145
Learning how to live in the greatest peace, partnership , and brotherhood with all men and women, of whatever description, is a moving and fascinating adventure. But every AA has found that he can make little headway in this new adventure of living until he first backtracks and really makes an accurate and unsparing surveyContinue reading “To Take Responsibility – As Bill Sees It #145”
Tolerance Is Important – Grapevine Article May 1950 By Russ
THE practice of tolerance, and the understanding of others is of utmost importance in the recovery of the confused alcoholic. The use of tolerance is particularly difficult to some convalescent alcoholics in their relations with others who are having difficulty in adjusting themselves to the AA Program of rehabilitation. We have admitted that only aContinue reading “Tolerance Is Important – Grapevine Article May 1950 By Russ”