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”
Category Archives: Emotional Sobriety
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 Examination to Sanity – 10th Step to 2nd Step – Grapevine Article March 1981 by Anonymous
Step Two cannot be emphasized too much, not only to newcomers, but to all AAs. Clearly, the chief mark of restoration to sanity is our not taking the first drink. No matter what else happens to us, as long as we refrain from the first drink, our lives will get better. I realize the problemsContinue reading “Self Examination to Sanity – 10th Step to 2nd Step – Grapevine Article March 1981 by Anonymous”
Elder Statesman Without A Country – Grapevine Article February 1983 by B.B.
When he stopped working the Steps, he was an AFTER FOURTEEN and a half years of sobriety, I found myself in an all too familiar place: tired of living, bored with AA meetings, full of self-pity, and wondering, “Is this all there is?” I had been very active in AA in the early years–secretary, chairmanContinue reading “Elder Statesman Without A Country – Grapevine Article February 1983 by B.B.”
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”
Difficulty Reveals Character – Grapevine Article October 2021 by Ron B.
A member shares some powerful thoughts about AA’s patience, resilience and creativity during COVID-19 When I first read Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions with my sponsor some 10 years ago, I was struck by Bill W.’s description of AA members in the armed forces during World War II. Even though they were far from homeContinue reading “Difficulty Reveals Character – Grapevine Article October 2021 by Ron B.”
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.”
How Do I Respond To Failing – Each Day A New Beginning Feb 3rd
When we begin to take our failures non-seriously, it means we are ceasing to be afraid of them. It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves.–Katherine Mansfield Perfectionism and its control over our lives stands seriously in the way of our growth and well-being, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. Life’s lessons comeContinue reading “How Do I Respond To Failing – Each Day A New Beginning Feb 3rd”
Clearing A Channel – As Bill Sees It #78
During the day, we can pause where situations must be met and decisions made, and renew the simple request “Thy will, not mine, be done.” If at these points our emotional disturbance happens to be great, we will more surely keep our balance provided we remember, and repeat to ourselves, a particular prayer or phraseContinue reading “Clearing A Channel – As Bill Sees It #78”
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