A NEW THOUGHT has been forming in my mind (now that the AA program has put it in working order). I believe that an element most important in building our sober lives is what is left out. Several months ago, my husband and I enrolled in a beginners’ art course. We didn’t become great painters,Continue reading “Growth – Grapevine Article June 1976 By Tricia J.”
Category Archives: Patience
Let Go Absolutely – As Bill Sees It #242
After failure on my part to dry up any drunks, Dr. Silkworth reminded me of Professor William James’s observation that truly transforming spiritual experiences are nearly always founded on calamity and collapse. “Stop preaching at them,” Dr. Silkworth said, “and give them the hard medical facts first. This may soften them up at depth soContinue reading “Let Go Absolutely – As Bill Sees It #242”
A Renewable And Resilient Purpose – Touchstone Reflection February 19th
He who has a why to live can bear with almost any how. –Friedrich Nietzsche Our sense of purpose in life is not fixed in concrete. It changes from youth through all the stages of life. Often in the transitions to a new growth stage we are most confused. In the chaotic life created byContinue reading “A Renewable And Resilient Purpose – Touchstone Reflection February 19th”
Most Spiritual Experiences Are Gradual – Grapevine Article March 1954 By Dr. Harry Tiebout
In this article Dr. Tiebout continues his observations on “the fundamental phenomena which go on when an alcoholic responds favorably to Alcoholics Anonymous.” The article describes how the influences which most AAs recognize as spiritual “should release the positive potential which resides in the unconscious.” Dr. Harry M. Tiebout was a psychiatrist and an earlyContinue reading “Most Spiritual Experiences Are Gradual – Grapevine Article March 1954 By Dr. Harry Tiebout”
When Sobriety Becomes Exciting – Grapevine Article October 1963 By R.C.G.
New vitality and confidence make it unnecessary to smooth over the rough spots with Scotch WHEN the harsh, irrefutable fact that alcohol was ruining my life finally confronted me, my first and consuming emotional reaction was one of fear–fear of the drastic change which I knew must occur and which by all reason should eliminateContinue reading “When Sobriety Becomes Exciting – Grapevine Article October 1963 By R.C.G.”
A Psychic Change – Grapevine Article March 2017 By Charlie D.
Waking up in a hospital bed, diagnosed with alcoholic dementia, he found his way out of the fog with the help of his Higher Power One spring day, I was admitted to a large general hospital in a major city. When I woke up the next morning, I recognized a hospital room but didn’t knowContinue reading “A Psychic Change – Grapevine Article March 2017 By Charlie D.”
True Tolerance – As Bill Sees It #203
Gradually we began to be able to accept the other fellow’s sins as well as his virtues. We coined the potent and meaningful expression “Let us always love the best in others–and never fear their worst.” ************************ Finally, we begin to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as wellContinue reading “True Tolerance – As Bill Sees It #203”
Morning Thoughts – As Bill Sees It #243
On awakening, let us think about the twenty-four hours ahead. We ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be divorced from self-pity and from dishonest or self-seeking motives. Free of these, we can employ our mental faculties with assurance, for God gave us brains to use. Our thought-life will be on aContinue reading “Morning Thoughts – As Bill Sees It #243”
‘The Keys Of The Kingdom’ Concluding Paragraphs Big Book pages 275-276
AA is not a plan for recovery that can be finished and done with. It is a way of life, and the challenge contained in its principles is great enough to keep any human being striving for as long as he lives. We do not, cannot, outgrow this plan. As arrested alcoholics, we must haveContinue reading “‘The Keys Of The Kingdom’ Concluding Paragraphs Big Book pages 275-276”
An Unexpected Shot At Life – Grapevine Article July 1992 By Bob P.
“I hereby sentence you to six years in the custody of the Department of Corrections,” said the judge on the morning of my 108th day of sobriety. Those 108 days were what made it possible for me to show up in the courtroom that morning, knowing I’d be sitting in a cell that night. WithoutContinue reading “An Unexpected Shot At Life – Grapevine Article July 1992 By Bob P.”