In his classic work, The Hero with a Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell described a dominant myth pervading the world’s cultures. Campbell noted that, in spite of their myriad variations, mythic stories of the heroic adventure shared a common structure: the hero’s departure, the hero’s transformation by great trials, and the hero’s return. Campbell’s portrayal of theContinue reading “Recovery As A Heroic Journey By William White”
Category Archives: Perseverance
FEAR (Face Everything And Recover) – Touchstones January 28th Reflection
To perceive is to suffer. — Aristotle In this program, we have given up our compulsive escapes from life. Our escapes may have been through dependent relationships with others, or with money, sex, food, drugs, work, or emotional binges. But now we are learning to live without them, and this has brought us in touch withContinue reading “FEAR (Face Everything And Recover) – Touchstones January 28th Reflection”
When Age Happens – Grapevine Article February 2026 By Anonymous
The pains of getting older are no fun. But she uses every AA tool she’s got and copes a day at a time I got sober when I was 54, and I’m not so young anymore. Aging with pain has been one of the most emotionally challenging things I’ve had to deal with in sobriety.Continue reading “When Age Happens – Grapevine Article February 2026 By Anonymous”
Forgiveness And The Amends Process – A Spiritual Principle A Day January 12th
Many of us want to skip ahead to Step Nine and apologize to those we’ve hurt in hopes of receiving their forgiveness. We desperately want to shed some of our guilt and shame. We may be convinced that getting others to forgive us would provide a shortcut to feeling better about ourselves. We’re reminded thatContinue reading “Forgiveness And The Amends Process – A Spiritual Principle A Day January 12th”
Relational Sponsorship – 12 Step Philosophy By Steve K
In the context of 12 Step recovery “relational sponsorship” is an ongoing recovery-based relationship that supports humility, accountability, and spiritual discernment through honest dialogue rather than authority or instruction. It’s a form a sponsorship that sometimes follows an initial introduction to the 12 Steps. It’s not written anywhere within the literature of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)Continue reading “Relational Sponsorship – 12 Step Philosophy By Steve K”
Fear, Faith And The AA Perspective – 12 Step Philosophy Blog By Steve K.
I find this article quite helpful and complimentary to some key topics explored in the gugogs.org website such as emotional sobriety, toxic shame, and healing our jekyll/hyde divided self. I’d like to offer a few specific articles as complimentary resources/background to this excellent article by Steve K. Healthy Fear & Unhealthy Self Centered Fear SelfContinue reading “Fear, Faith And The AA Perspective – 12 Step Philosophy Blog By Steve K.”
Between Stimulus And Response – Extract From Chapter 22 of Strong Ground By Brené Brown
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.” – Victor Frankl I experienced one of the most disorienting experiences in my life when I got sober in 1995. I use the word disorienting because time slowed toContinue reading “Between Stimulus And Response – Extract From Chapter 22 of Strong Ground By Brené Brown”
Remedy for a Lonely Holiday – Grapevine Article December 2025 By Chuck H.
With his wife away and daughter in the hospital, this newcomer’s Christmas was looking bleak. AA to the rescue. I’ve always wondered if our emotions and feelings are closer to the surface during the Christmas season than other times of the year. Is this because I’m reminded of the hope and joy that Christmas represents?Continue reading “Remedy for a Lonely Holiday – Grapevine Article December 2025 By Chuck H.”
AA & The Wounded Healer Anthology December 2020 By Steve K.
Step 12 of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) suggests that “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” A vital aspect of our own recovery from addiction is the inspiration to help others suffering fromContinue reading “AA & The Wounded Healer Anthology December 2020 By Steve K.”
Walking Through The Pain – Just For Today November 17th
17 November It hurts like never before. You get out of bed after a sleepless night, talk to God, and still don’t feel any better. “It will pass,” a little voice tells you. “When?” you wonder, as you pace and mutter and get on with your day. You sob in your car and turn theContinue reading “Walking Through The Pain – Just For Today November 17th”