This is the third article in the Grapevine’s series by authors of the personal histories in the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. The Big Book was published in 1939; the revised, enlarged version came out in 1955. Now, the author of “Stars Don’t Fall,” page 401 in the revised edition, reports on the vital experience–some of it roughContinue reading “At Last No Longer Apart – Grapevine Article November 1967 by F.M.”
Category Archives: Self Pity
Problems Other Than Alcohol – Bill W 1958
From an article written by A.A. co-founderBill W. in 1958. Therefore, some of the language may be dated, but the issues addressed are prevalent today Perhaps there is no suffering more horrible than drug addiction, especially that kind which is produced by morphine, heroin, and other narcotics. Such drugs twist the mind, and the awfulContinue reading “Problems Other Than Alcohol – Bill W 1958”
Maudlin Martyrdom – As Bill Sees It #238
Self-pity is one of the most unhappy and comsuming defects that we know. It is a bar to all spiritual progress and can cut off all effective communication with our fellows because of its inordinate demands for attention and sympathy. It is a maudlin form of martyrdom, which we can ill afford. The remedy? Well,Continue reading “Maudlin Martyrdom – As Bill Sees It #238”
The Roots of Resentment – October 1977 by F.M.
We can see ourselves in the anger we feel toward others RESENTMENTS are ruin. Backed-up anger can give us a bad depression; explosive anger can make us say or do things we will regret. Resentment that is allowed to fester can become an obsession and make us nervously unstable. Retaliation and revenge will harm usContinue reading “The Roots of Resentment – October 1977 by F.M.”
We Cannot Stand Still – As Bill Sees It #25
In the first days of A.A., I wasn’t much bothered about the areas of life in which I was standing still. There was always the alibi: “After all,” I said to myself, “I’m far too busy with much more important matters.” That was my near perfect prescription for comfort and complacency.<< << << >> >>Continue reading “We Cannot Stand Still – As Bill Sees It #25”
Guilt Is A Cunning Weapon – Grapevine Article May 1974 by H.M.
It can destroy us, or it can help us relate to our fellow alcoholic I AM THE lucky one, enjoying an incredible vacation high up in the Alps, surrounded by snowcapped mountains, flowering meadows, and crystal-clear brooks. The gift of unrushed thinking, of meditation, presents itself in such an environment. It brings happiness and peaceContinue reading “Guilt Is A Cunning Weapon – Grapevine Article May 1974 by H.M.”
Unmanageable, What’s That? – Grapevine Article January 2016 by Ted K.
He stopped drinking, so why did his life seem to be getting worse ? STEP ONE: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable. I began drinking when I was 15. Alcohol was fun and made me feel a part of the crowd. It removed my inhibitions and my feelings ofContinue reading “Unmanageable, What’s That? – Grapevine Article January 2016 by Ted K.”
Identifying Fear – Daily Reflection July 6th
The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear. . . .— TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 76 When I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or depressed, I look for fear. This “evil and corroding thread” is the root of my distress: Fear of failure; fear of others’ opinions; fear of harm, and many otherContinue reading “Identifying Fear – Daily Reflection July 6th”
Live Serenely – As Bill Sees It #48
When a drunk has a terrific hangover because he drank heavily yesterday, he cannot live well today. But there is another kind of hangover which we all experience whether we are drinking or not. That is the emotional hangover, the direct result of yesterday’s and sometimes today’s excesses of negative emotion—anger, fear, jealousy, and theContinue reading “Live Serenely – As Bill Sees It #48”
A Vision For You – The Problem – Big Book Page 151
For most normal folks, drinking means conviviality, companionship and colorful imagination. It means release from care, boredom and worry. It is joyous intimacy with friends and a feeling that life is good. But not so with us in those last days of heavy drinking. The old pleasures were gone. They were but memories. Never couldContinue reading “A Vision For You – The Problem – Big Book Page 151”