For a new prospect, outline the program of action, explaining how you made a self-appraisal, how you straightened out your past, and why you are now endeavoring to be helpful to him. It is important for him to realize that your attempt to pass this on to him plays a vital part in your ownContinue reading “Recovery Through Giving – As Bill Sees It #275”
Category Archives: Criticism
Toward Partnership – As Bill Sees It #292
When the distortion of family life through alcohol has been great, a long period of patient striving may be necessary. After the husband joins A.A., the wife may become discontented, even highly resentful that A.A. has done the very thing that all her years of devotion had failed to do. Her husband may become soContinue reading “Toward Partnership – As Bill Sees It #292”
Blind Trust – As Bill Sees It #144
Most surely, there can be no trust where there is no love, nor can there be real love where distrust holds its malign sway. But does trust require that we be blind to other people’s motives or, indeed, to our own? Not at all; this would be folly. Most certainly, we should assess the capacityContinue reading “Blind Trust – As Bill Sees It #144”
Finding Clarity & Practicing Patience – Each Day A New Beginning April 27th
So much to say. And so much not to say! Some things are better left unsaid. But so many unsaid things can become a burden. –Virginia Mae Axline The occasions are many when we’d like to share a feeling, an observation, perhaps even a criticism with someone. The risk is great, however. She might beContinue reading “Finding Clarity & Practicing Patience – Each Day A New Beginning April 27th”
The Wily Ego – Grapevine Article December 1962 By Harry M. Tiebout,M.D.
The capacity of the Ego to bypass experience is astounding and would be humorous were it not so tragic in its consequences. Cutting the individual down to size and making the results last is a task never completely accomplished. The possibility of a return of his infantile Ego must be faced by every alcoholic. IfContinue reading “The Wily Ego – Grapevine Article December 1962 By Harry M. Tiebout,M.D.”
How Is My Now? – Grapevine Article August 2001 By Barb G.
Well, I’m a half-century old now, and I have decided to face the music and become a grown-up. That word was uttered during my youth with such reverence: “When I get big enough, I can sit at the dining room table with the grown-ups,” we children would say wistfully at family gatherings. And I supposeContinue reading “How Is My Now? – Grapevine Article August 2001 By Barb G.”
Rules Without Reason – Grapevine Article February 1987 By E.E.
It was hard to hear the voice on the telephone over the rain pelting outside my window. “Is that you, Joan? You don’t sound like yourself. Is something wrong?” It was “Joan,” six weeks sober, checking in with her sponsor on the coldest, wettest night of the year, in a voice I hardly recognized. “IContinue reading “Rules Without Reason – Grapevine Article February 1987 By E.E.”
Has Singleness of Purpose Become Narrowness of Purpose? Grapevine Article May 2004 By David F.
I know the argument. Alcoholics Anonymous is for alcoholics. It’s about alcohol, it’s not about drugs. Check the pamphlets. Check the Big Book. They talk about alcohol, not drugs. People with drug problems should go to other twelve-step programs. AA is for alcoholics. I know the argument because I argued it once myself. This wasContinue reading “Has Singleness of Purpose Become Narrowness of Purpose? Grapevine Article May 2004 By David F.”
Welcome Criticism – As Bill Sees It #326
Thanks much for your letter of criticism. I’m certain that had it not been for its strong critics, A.A. would have made slower progress. For myself, I have come to set a high value on the people who have criticized me, whether they have seemed reasonable critics or unreasonable ones. Both have often restrained meContinue reading “Welcome Criticism – As Bill Sees It #326”