Darkness Visible – Grapevine Article by Toby M.

His alcoholism and bipolar disorder conspired to keep him in some fearful places My drinking started when I was 17 years old. Some friends and I got hold of some liquor and beer, which we drank in the back of my friend’s truck bed. We sat drinking and smoking cigarettes. Everyone was getting pretty drunkContinue reading “Darkness Visible – Grapevine Article by Toby M.”

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”

Origins of Rule 62 ‘Don’t Take Yourself Too Damn Seriously’ – Twelve & Twelve Tradition 4

When A.A. was still young, lots of eager groups were forming. In a town we’ll call Middleton, a real crackerjack had started up. The townspeople were as hot as firecrackers about it. Stargazing, the elders dreamed of innovations. They figured the town needed a great big alcoholic center, a kind of pilot plant A.A. groupsContinue reading “Origins of Rule 62 ‘Don’t Take Yourself Too Damn Seriously’ – Twelve & Twelve Tradition 4”

Rebellion or Acceptance – As Bill Sees It #293

All of us pass through times when we can pray only with the greatest exertion. Occasionally we go even further than this. We are seized with a rebellion so sickening that we simply won’t pray. When these things happen, we should not think too ill of ourselves. We should simply resume prayer as soon asContinue reading “Rebellion or Acceptance – As Bill Sees It #293”

4th Step Fear Inventory – Practice These Principles by Ray A.

Healthy and Unhealthy Fear Overcoming our fear is not always a good thing. We ought to have feared drinking, suggests the Big Book, for we knew how much suffering and humiliation it had wrought. But we did not. We lacked “the kind of defense that keeps one from putting his hand on a hot stove”Continue reading “4th Step Fear Inventory – Practice These Principles by Ray A.”

Using the 11th Step / St. Francis Prayer

The Saint Francis Assisi Prayer, often used as an 11th Step Prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous, is an immensely popular and empowering prayer used in recovery. Anyone moving through recovery will eventually encounter the prayer and will get to work through its significance and impact on their spirituality, life, and outlook. If you’re just starting your recoveryContinue reading “Using the 11th Step / St. Francis Prayer”

A World With Clear Eyes – Grapevine Article October 2022 by Brent T.

When he was drinking, he was lost in his emotions. The Steps of AA helped bring him back I was a “happy-go-lucky” drunk and an avid party goer. I was almost always happy. But when I had hangovers, I saw the truth of what I was becoming—sad, depressed and demoralized. I tried my best toContinue reading “A World With Clear Eyes – Grapevine Article October 2022 by Brent T.”

Out of This World! – Grapevine Article July 1992 by George M.

I had a surprising thought last night. As I listened to fellow AA members share, those initials AA took on a new meaning for me–Aliens Anonymous. I don’t know if every alcoholic feels like an alien, but I certainly have. Sometimes I still do. I’ve often said it was as if my second-grade teacher hadContinue reading “Out of This World! – Grapevine Article July 1992 by George M.”

Between the Extremes – As Bill Sees It #159

“The real question is whether we can learn anything from our experiences upon which we may grow and help others to grow in the likeness and image of God. “We know that if we rebel against doing that which is reasonably possible for us, then we will be penalized. And we will be equally penalizedContinue reading “Between the Extremes – As Bill Sees It #159”