Boredom, depression, restlessness, feeling stuck are all realities that we will face if we are to live sober. These two short Grapevine articles below help us define more clearly the problem and then to begin to explore effective ways to respond to these uncomfortable feelings. These articles are good reminders of what the Big BookContinue reading “Boredom/Depression & Relapse – Problem & Solution Mashup Of Two Grapevine Articles”
Category Archives: Awareness
Life Is Meant To Be Lived – Grapevine Article Sept 1995 by Louise A.
She decided she didn’t want “rocking chair” sobriety When some of my foggy thinking began to clear in the early days of my sobriety, I realized how often I had drunk to escape the realities of life. As a result, I worked hard at facing my alcoholism head-on, practicing the Steps, and convincing myself thatContinue reading “Life Is Meant To Be Lived – Grapevine Article Sept 1995 by Louise A.”
Little Surrenders – Grapevine Article August 1982 by D.J.
Through the Seventh Step he realized that we “carry our worlds within ourselves ABOUT TWO years ago, I made a fortuitous discovery while experiencing a disturbing episode during my recovery. As a result, the Seventh Step became my tool for everyday coping and living. The emotional impact of this happening was like that of findingContinue reading “Little Surrenders – Grapevine Article August 1982 by D.J.”
Acceptance & Expectations – 12 Essential Insights For Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger
Acceptance is one of the “big ideas” in recovery. There is a natural connection between self-acceptance—learning to accept our true self as we are—and learning to accept the world as it is. And the world as it is never fits our expectations. That’s a tough lesson, because a part of us always clings to theContinue reading “Acceptance & Expectations – 12 Essential Insights For Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger”
The Realm Of The Spirit – As Bill Sees It #7
In ancient times material progress was painfully slow. The spirit of modern scientific inquiry, research and invention was almost unknown. In the realm of the material, men’s minds were fettered by superstition, tradition, and all sorts of fixed ideas. Some of the contemporaries of Columbus thought a round earth preposterous. Others came near putting GalileoContinue reading “The Realm Of The Spirit – As Bill Sees It #7”
Response Ability – Grapevine Article June 2011 by Joe V.
The burdens of obligation transform to gifts of sobriety Before and during my drinking days, people were always talking to me about responsibility. I “had a responsibility” to be an excellent student, obedient son and religious child. I was also somehow responsible that children on the other side of the world didn’t go to bedContinue reading “Response Ability – Grapevine Article June 2011 by Joe V.”
Self Acceptance – 12 Essential Insights For Emotional Sobriety by Dr. Allen Berger
Acceptance and Self-Acceptance Acceptance comes in two types: acceptance of the world as it is and, more specifically, acceptance of who we are as individuals. Acceptance is one of the “big ideas” in recovery. This is one of the great challenges we face: accepting that life is what it is. When we struggle with addiction,Continue reading “Self Acceptance – 12 Essential Insights For Emotional Sobriety by Dr. Allen Berger”
Perception of Humility – As Bill Sees It #156
An improved perception of humility starts a revolutionary change in our outlook. Our eyes begin to open to the immense values which have come straight out of painful ego-puncturing. Until now, our lives have been largely devoted to running from pain and problems. Escape via the bottle was always our solution. Then, in A.A., weContinue reading “Perception of Humility – As Bill Sees It #156”
The Birth of Spiritual Confidence – Grapevine Article June 2005 by Dave C.
Steps to remove the desire to drink I arrived at the doors of AA in 1983 with a problem; I just wasn’t sure what the problem was. I thought I had a drinking problem. Then someone suggested that maybe my drinking problem really reflected a thinking problem. I was sure he was wrong; I justContinue reading “The Birth of Spiritual Confidence – Grapevine Article June 2005 by Dave C.”
Hidden Strength – Grapevine Article February 1997 by Donna G.
Solutions in Sobriety Getting through each sober day is an extra challenge for me. I was first diagnosed with an incurable arthritic condition when I was forty years old and sober a few years. At first the doctor told me that my case was mild, but over the years the physical pain and discomfort hasContinue reading “Hidden Strength – Grapevine Article February 1997 by Donna G.”