Nelson Mandela, the anti-apartheid leader who was jailed for his activism and in 1994 became South Africa’s first black President, regularly recited one poem during his more than twenty-five years of imprisonment—the 1875 poem “Invictus” by English poet William Ernest Henley. The poem, which helped Mandela persist through extraordinarily challenging circumstances, includes the iconic lines,Continue reading “Invictus – Recovery Poem By William Ernest Henley”
Category Archives: Defiance
Give Thanks – As Bill Sees It #266
Though I still find it difficult to accept today’s pain and anxiety with any great degree of serenity—as those more advanced in the spiritual life seem able to do—I can give thanks for present pain nevertheless. I find the willingness to do this by contemplating the lessons learned from past suffering—lessons which have led toContinue reading “Give Thanks – As Bill Sees It #266”
The Obsession And The Answer – As Bill Sees It #194
The idea that somehow, some day, he will control and enjoy his drinking is the great obsession of every abnormal drinker. The persistence of this illusion is astonishing. Many pursue it into the gates of insanity or death. ************** Alcoholism, not cancer, was my illness, but what was the difference? Was not alcoholism also aContinue reading “The Obsession And The Answer – As Bill Sees It #194”
Sideways – Recovery Song By Travis Meadows
As you may know, we now have a section of the website devoted to sharing Recovery Poems, Songs & Quotes. The video below was taken at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia. Singer songwriter Travis Meadows talks about what happened on a visit to share his recovery story that inspired this song. He then sings this powerfulContinue reading “Sideways – Recovery Song By Travis Meadows”
The Beginning Of Humility – As Bill Sees It #191
There are few absolutes inherent in the Twelve Steps. Most Steps are open to interpretation, based on the experience and outlook of the individual. Consequently, the individual is free to start the Steps at whatever point he can, or will. God, as we understand Him, may be defined as a ‘Power greater…’ or the HigherContinue reading “The Beginning Of Humility – As Bill Sees It #191”
Tolerance In Practice – As Bill Sees It #158
We found that the principles of tolerance and love had to be emphasized in actual practice. We can never say (or insinuate) to anyone that he must agree to our formula or be excommunicated. The atheist may stand up in an A.A. meeting still denying the Deity, yet reporting how vastly he has been changedContinue reading “Tolerance In Practice – As Bill Sees It #158”
Searching In The Shadows – Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation May 28th
This meditation can be helpful in our ongoing Step 10 and Step 4 work of critical self examination and radical acceptance. It suggest a perspective change and supports the 10th step spiritual axiom that when I am disturbed there is something wrong (or off) within me. Jungian therapists Connie Zweig and Steve Wolf describe shadowContinue reading “Searching In The Shadows – Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation May 28th”
Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today – Coach John Wooden With A Poem By Vivian Laramore
A short reflection of how the hall of fame basketball coach John Wooden used a poem in his ‘Make Every Day Your Masterpiece’ philosophy. – Bruce M. DON’T LET YESTERDAY TAKE UP TOO MUCH OF TODAY This maxim represents the foundation of Coach Wooden’s approach as a teacher. He often reminded his players of this withContinue reading “Don’t Let Yesterday Take Up Too Much Of Today – Coach John Wooden With A Poem By Vivian Laramore”
What Is Happiness – Grapevine Article January 2017 By Edwin B.
A son’s question on an autumn day reminds a sober dad just how far he’s come This fall, I was raking the lawn and my 22-year-old son, Nico, was bagging leaves for me. At one point, he asked me, “Does raking make you happy?” My initial thought was, Just stuff the leaves in the freakingContinue reading “What Is Happiness – Grapevine Article January 2017 By Edwin B.”
AA And The Gift Of Acceptance – The Wisdom To Know The Difference By Kelly Wilson
Acceptance is a huge part of AA. One of the most frequently quoted stories from the AA Big Book is from the chapter entitled “Acceptance Was the Answer”: “And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation—some fact ofContinue reading “AA And The Gift Of Acceptance – The Wisdom To Know The Difference By Kelly Wilson”