“Each of us in turn—that is, the member who gets the most out of the program—spends a very large amount of time on Twelfth Step work in the early years. That was my case, and perhaps I should not have stayed sober with less work. “However, sooner or later most of us are presented withContinue reading “Citizens Again – As Bill Sees It #21”
Category Archives: Open Mindedness
Keeping A Lid On It – Grapevine Article September 2021 by Norm H
My sponsor got a chuckle out of my first reaction to the over-stuffed garbage can. I was once again reminded that if I learn to laugh at myself, I can have a lifetime of entertainment. I walked out to the curb to bring our empty trash can back to the house. As I grabbed theContinue reading “Keeping A Lid On It – Grapevine Article September 2021 by Norm H”
Complete Security? – As Bill Sees It #112
Upon entering A.A., the spectacle of years of waste threw us into panic. Financial importance was no longer our principal aim; we now clamored for material security. Even when we re-established in our business, terrible fears often continued to haunt us. This made us misers and penny-pinchers all over again. Complete financial security we mustContinue reading “Complete Security? – As Bill Sees It #112”
Confessions Of a Reluctant Newcomer – Grapevine Article March 2003 by W.B.
He didn’t know that AA was not a spectator sport Newcomers, God love ’em, can’t be beaten with a stick. They stand up at speakers’ meetings and talk for six minutes or for fifty-six; they’re live-wires or numb as rocks; egomaniacs (like me) or doormats. They’re the lifeblood of the program; the pigeons who carryContinue reading “Confessions Of a Reluctant Newcomer – Grapevine Article March 2003 by W.B.”
The Will to Live – Grapevine Article March 1964 by Marguerite C.
There are days when I’m not happy, but I don’t want to be drunk. IT is a strange, yet comforting, truth that whenever we hit a low period in our life in AA, when we find ourselves depressed for no apparent reason, sooner or later something outside ourselves brings us back up to the oldContinue reading “The Will to Live – Grapevine Article March 1964 by Marguerite C.”
Putting Away Childish Things – Grapevine Article August 1985 by S.M.
AS A PRACTICING “heavy drinker, I’m no alcoholic!” I was noted for my exaggerated enthusiasm and for my temper; I laughed easily and could become angry just as quickly. I suppose it was a matter of swinging between exhilaration and depression; there was an attitude of contempt for whatever was “moderate.” “All or nothing atContinue reading “Putting Away Childish Things – Grapevine Article August 1985 by S.M.”
Billy’s Death – Practicing These Principles Reflection by Ray A.
News arrived yesterday of Billy’s death. He was just a boy when I met him, probably around ten. Raised with two other siblings in a loving middle-class suburban home, he would grow up to be what most people would consider a successful young man, marrying and starting a lucrative career in a major city’s financialContinue reading “Billy’s Death – Practicing These Principles Reflection by Ray A.”
Staying Away From One Defect One Day at a Time – Grapevine Article March 1983 by P.B.
NOW AND THEN, I hear a recovering alcoholic refer to the AA program as a selfish program. I fear that such a statement may hinder rather than help our efforts to stay sober and to find the peace of mind and contentment that, as the Big Book says, each of us can enjoy by workingContinue reading “Staying Away From One Defect One Day at a Time – Grapevine Article March 1983 by P.B.”
The Key to Belonging – Grapevine Article September 2000 by Karen S.
Growing up, I was an angry, lonely, frightened kid. I didn’t know how to make friends, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. Recess was the most painful part of my day–I’d sit on the outskirts of the playground, sensing that I wasn’t welcome to play tag or kickball. I watched the other children, takingContinue reading “The Key to Belonging – Grapevine Article September 2000 by Karen S.”
The Great Fact – As Bill Sees It #331
We realize we know only a little. God will constantly disclose more to you and to us. Ask Him in your morning meditation what you can do each day for the man who is still sick. The answers will come, if your own house is in order.But obviously you cannot transmit something you haven’t got.Continue reading “The Great Fact – As Bill Sees It #331”