THE TRADITIONS and customs of Alcoholics Anonymous reveal a charter for individual and group freedom, the like of which history has never before produced. We have no humanly administered government whatever. Once upon a time, there was an AA member who got the notion that his own group was a little too stuffy, respectable, andContinue reading “What Is Freedom in AA? – Grapevine Article May 1960 by Bill W”
Category Archives: Open Mindedness
Renew Your Effort – As Bill Sees It #68
“Though I know how hurt and sorry you must be after this slip, please do not worry about a temporary loss of your inner peace. As calmly as you can, just renew your effort on the A.A. program, especially those parts of it which have to do with meditation and self-analysis. “Could I also suggestContinue reading “Renew Your Effort – As Bill Sees It #68”
How 14 groups grew to 22 – Grapevine Article January 1945 by Frank S.
This article was reprinted in the the November 2018 Grapevine that focused on AA History. In 1944, AA’s cofounder, Bill W., swings through California to lend a helping hand to the new groups Just over one year ago, Bill made a two-month visit to the West Coast, one month of which was spent in LosContinue reading “How 14 groups grew to 22 – Grapevine Article January 1945 by Frank S.”
My Authentic Self – Grapevine Article February 2020 by K.J.
Filled with rage and punk rock, her teen years were rough. But since coming to AA, she has reinvented her life I always wanted to be seen as an adult. I had a half-brother who was 14 years older than me. We lived right outside New York City, in an upper middle-class town with myContinue reading “My Authentic Self – Grapevine Article February 2020 by K.J.”
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.”
From the Grass Roots- Grapevine Article October 1952 by Anonymous
AN APPEAL THE most wonderful thing that has happened to the alcoholic, is the discovery that he can lead a happy normal life if he wants too, and that he does not have to do it alone. In this AA garden, grow many varieties of patience, understanding, tolerance and love. . .some perhaps unsuited toContinue reading “From the Grass Roots- Grapevine Article October 1952 by Anonymous”
Principles and Personalities – Grapevine Article June 1971 by J.C.
Keep your eye on the principle and don’t let the personality bug you MY NAME is Joe C. I have been sober four years now, and the last three have been happy years, though the first was miserable. I never want to live through that year again, and, if I don’t pick up that firstContinue reading “Principles and Personalities – Grapevine Article June 1971 by J.C.”
Surrender & Emotional Sobriety – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger
*Extracted from various chapters of 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety. These extracts were based upon the book quotations and supporting materials when searching on ’surrender’ What Is The Relationship Between Surrender & Emotional Sobriety Bill W struggled with depression for most of his life. He took on his depression in recovery. For the firstContinue reading “Surrender & Emotional Sobriety – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger”
Reaching For Humility – As Bill Sees It #211
We saw we needn’t always be bludgeoned and beaten into humility. It could come quite as much from our voluntary reaching for it as it could from unremitting suffering. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ “We first reach for a little humility, knowing that we shall perish of alcoholism if we do not. After a time, though we may stillContinue reading “Reaching For Humility – As Bill Sees It #211”
Prelude To The Program – As Bill Sees It #118
Few people will sincerely try to practice the A.A. program unless they have “hit bottom,” for practicing A.A.’s Steps means the adoption of attitudes and actions that almost no alcoholic who is still drinking can dream of taking. The average alcoholic, self-centered inthe extreme, doesn’t care for this prospect–unless he has to do these thingsContinue reading “Prelude To The Program – As Bill Sees It #118”