Dependence – Unhealthy Or Healthy – As Bill Sees It #72

Dependence—Unhealthy or Healthy Nothing can be more demoralizing than a clinging and abject dependence upon another human being. This often amounts to the demand for a degree of protection and love that no one could possibly satisfy. So our hoped-for protectors finally flee, and once more we are left alone—either to grow up or toContinue reading “Dependence – Unhealthy Or Healthy – As Bill Sees It #72”

Happiness Is Not The Point – Daily Reflection April 26th

I don’t think happiness or unhappiness is the point. How do we meet the problems we face? How do we best learn from them and transmit what we have learned to others, if they would receive the knowledge?AS BILL SEES IT, p. 306 In my search “to be happy,” I changed jobs, married and divorced,Continue reading “Happiness Is Not The Point – Daily Reflection April 26th”

Growth – Grapevine Article June 1976 By Tricia J.

A NEW THOUGHT has been forming in my mind (now that the AA program has put it in working order). I believe that an element most important in building our sober lives is what is left out. Several months ago, my husband and I enrolled in a beginners’ art course. We didn’t become great painters,Continue reading “Growth – Grapevine Article June 1976 By Tricia J.”

Losing Financial Fears – As Bill Sees It #75

When a job still looked like a mere means of getting money rather than an opportunity for service, when the acquisition of money for financial independence looked more important than a right dependence upon God, we were the victims of unreasonable fears. And these were fears which would make a serene and useful existence, atContinue reading “Losing Financial Fears – As Bill Sees It #75”

Sassy Pearls Of Wisdom – Grapevine Article October 2015 By Wendy L.

If minding one’s own business can work for the group, then it might work for her as well TRADITION TEN: Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy. When I sat down at my very first meeting, I was four days sober and miserableContinue reading “Sassy Pearls Of Wisdom – Grapevine Article October 2015 By Wendy L.”

Happiness Comes Quietly – Daily Reflection January 17th

When we examine what we demand and what we desire to possess, we have a great starting point for revealing our self-centered fears that may be unconscious and in need of healing. This can be a tremendous aid in our 4th step inventory. Click on the links to demands in this meditation to understand thisContinue reading “Happiness Comes Quietly – Daily Reflection January 17th”

When And How To Give – As Bill Sees It #239

Men who cry for money and shelter as a condition of their sobriety are on the wrong track. Yet we sometimes do provide a new prospect with these very things–when it becomes clear that he is willing to place his recovery first. It is not whether we shall give that is the question, but whenContinue reading “When And How To Give – As Bill Sees It #239”

We Just Try – Daily Reflection August 21st

My stability came out of trying to give, not out of demanding that I receive. THE BEST OF BILL, pp. 46-47 As long as I try, with all my heart and soul, to pass along to others what has been passed along to me, and do not demand anything in return, life is good toContinue reading “We Just Try – Daily Reflection August 21st”

Giving Without Demand – As Bill Sees It #69

Watch any A.A. of six months working with a Twelfth Step prospect. If the newcomer says, “To the devil with you,” the twelfth-stepper only smiles and finds another alcoholic to help. He doesn’t feel frustrated or rejected. If this next drunk responds, and in turn starts to give love and attention to other sufferers, yetContinue reading “Giving Without Demand – As Bill Sees It #69”

Dangers of Dogma – Bill W July 1965

Below are some powerful paragraphs from a July 1965 Grapevine article written by Bill W. This article was entitled ‘Responsibility Is Our Theme’. I find it a useful warning when I think I’ve found something that demands something from others. It’s also a warning of how difficult it is to have an open mind whenContinue reading “Dangers of Dogma – Bill W July 1965”