The Ego And Shame; A Barrier To Humility – 12 Step Philosophy By Steve K.

In the book ‘For God’s Sake’  Alan Budge writes… “Recovery isn’t about stopping drinking (or stopping whatever). It’s about investigating the ways of the ego, and trying to change on the basis of that knowledge. It’s about surrender. For me, the whole spiritual deal is based on the idea that I’m not in charge, there is somethingContinue reading “The Ego And Shame; A Barrier To Humility – 12 Step Philosophy By Steve K.”

False Pride & Self Centered Fear – Experience The Big Book By Dr. Michael H.

Clancy I., in one of his talks, stated that false pride is a killer for alcoholics.  He defined false pride as a compensation for feeling “less than”.   That statement defined my life.  From early childhood, I was constantly seeking approval through actions or achievements.  Just being “Michael” wasn’t good enough.  I never felt OK.Continue reading “False Pride & Self Centered Fear – Experience The Big Book By Dr. Michael H.”

Taking Gratitude For Granted – Grapevine Article May 2000 By Clancy I.

For a period of about two years, my daily walks became progressively more difficult. A searing pain in my lower legs eventually became almost unbearable. I found that stopping every block or two and sitting down would make the pain temporarily subside. The best physical therapists diagnosed my problem as stenosis (a gradual closing ofContinue reading “Taking Gratitude For Granted – Grapevine Article May 2000 By Clancy I.”

Making Room To Grow – Grapevine Article June 1997 by Ron D.

“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” So reads Step Six. After the guilt and remorse of my last drunk had faded, I didn’t think this Step had any application in my life. Now that I was no longer drinking I wasn’t a bad person. Character defects? I couldn’t seeContinue reading “Making Room To Grow – Grapevine Article June 1997 by Ron D.”

Your Move – Grapevine Article July 2000 by Willa R.

False ideals Readers tell us about their favorite passages in AA literature. By the age of twenty-six I had all the ingredients of success as defined by our society: money, recognition, and the ability to buy all the trappings; yet I wasn’t happy and neither were the people I met who had the same advantages.Continue reading “Your Move – Grapevine Article July 2000 by Willa R.”

Antidote For Fear – As Bill Sees It #196

When our failings generate fear, we then have soul-sickness. This sickness, in turn, generates still more character defects. Unreasonable fear that our instincts will not be satisfied drives us to covet the possessions of others, to lust for sex and power, to become angry when our instinctive demands are threatened, to be envious when theContinue reading “Antidote For Fear – As Bill Sees It #196”