As Bill Sees It – Freedom To Choose # 124

Looking back, we see that our freedom to choose badly was not, after all, a very real freedom. When we chose because we “must,” this was not a free choice, either. But it got us started in the right direction. When we chose because we “ought to,” we were really doing better. This time weContinue reading “As Bill Sees It – Freedom To Choose # 124”

What Matters Most – Grapevine Article September 2021 By Kristin S.

Sometimes the results of our efforts to make amends take years. Sometimes they come after a lot of painful rejection. God’s timing is often mysterious, but it’s perfect. My dad and I had a rocky relationship while I was drinking. He kicked me out and had very little to do with me near the end.Continue reading “What Matters Most – Grapevine Article September 2021 By Kristin S.”

Freed Prisoners – As Bill Sees It #234

Letter to a prison group: Every A.A. has been, in a sense, a prisoner.  Each of us has walled himself out of society; each has known social stigma.  The lot of you folks has been even more difficult:  In your case, society has also built a wall around you.  But there isn’t any really essentialContinue reading “Freed Prisoners – As Bill Sees It #234”

The Wily Ego – Grapevine Article December 1962 By Harry M. Tiebout,M.D.

The capacity of the Ego to bypass experience is astounding and would be humorous were it not so tragic in its consequences. Cutting the individual down to size and making the results last is a task never completely accomplished. The possibility of a return of his infantile Ego must be faced by every alcoholic. IfContinue reading “The Wily Ego – Grapevine Article December 1962 By Harry M. Tiebout,M.D.”

Walking Toward Serenity – As Bill Sees It #92

When I was tired and couldn’t concentrate, I used to fall back on an affirmation toward life that took the form of simple walking and deep breathing. I sometimes told myself that I couldn’t do even this—that I was to weak. But I learned that this was the point at which I could not giveContinue reading “Walking Toward Serenity – As Bill Sees It #92”

We Are Greater Than Anything That Can Happen To Us Grapevine Article April 1962 By Rev Mounir R.

An AA message from a New England Minister WHAT I wish to say this Easter can best be told in a story about a man who was building a stone wall. A neighbor came by and asked the old farmer why he was building an odd-shaped wall, wider than it was high. Without looking upContinue reading “We Are Greater Than Anything That Can Happen To Us Grapevine Article April 1962 By Rev Mounir R.”

Black & Blue & Yellow – Grapevine Article April 2024 By Judith M.

Celebrating 50 years of sobriety, she took down her book and marveled at the marks she made that mattered most It was my 50th AA anniversary month and time for a good annual house cleaning. So I got down my original Big Book, a sixth printing of the Second edition, to reminisce. I was struckContinue reading “Black & Blue & Yellow – Grapevine Article April 2024 By Judith M.”

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”

Losing Financial Fears – As Bill Sees It #75

When a job still looked like a mere means of getting money rather than an opportunity for service, when the acquisition of money for financial independence looked more important than a right dependence upon God, we were the victims of unreasonable fears. And these were fears which would make a serene and useful existence, atContinue reading “Losing Financial Fears – As Bill Sees It #75”

Tolerance Is Important – Grapevine Article May 1950 By Russ

THE practice of tolerance, and the understanding of others is of utmost importance in the recovery of the confused alcoholic. The use of tolerance is particularly difficult to some convalescent alcoholics in their relations with others who are having difficulty in adjusting themselves to the AA Program of rehabilitation. We have admitted that only aContinue reading “Tolerance Is Important – Grapevine Article May 1950 By Russ”