Category Archives: Self Reflection

Elder Statesman Without A Country – Grapevine Article February 1983 by B.B.

When he stopped working the Steps, he was an AFTER FOURTEEN and a half years of sobriety, I found myself in an all too familiar place: tired of living, bored with AA meetings, full of self-pity, and wondering, “Is this all there is?” I had been very active in AA in the early years–secretary, chairmanContinue reading “Elder Statesman Without A Country – Grapevine Article February 1983 by B.B.”

Clearing A Channel – As Bill Sees It #78

During the day, we can pause where situations must be met and decisions made, and renew the simple request “Thy will, not mine, be done.” If at these points our emotional disturbance happens to be great, we will more surely keep our balance provided we remember, and repeat to ourselves, a particular prayer or phraseContinue reading “Clearing A Channel – As Bill Sees It #78”

Step 1 What Is The Problem – The Steps We Took by Joe McQ

Joe McQ is the Joe of the well known Joe & Charlie BB studies, tapes, and retreats. He has some compelling wisdom for us about Step 1 in his book entitled ‘The Steps We Took’. Here is a short extract of the first portion of his chapter on Step 1 What is the Problem? WeContinue reading “Step 1 What Is The Problem – The Steps We Took by Joe McQ”

Living In Today – Daily Reflections December 31st

The idea of “twenty-four-hour living” applies primarily to the emotional life of the individual. Emotionally speaking, we must not live in yesterday, nor in tomorrow. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 284 A New Year: 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes — a time to consider directions, goals, and actions. I mustContinue reading “Living In Today – Daily Reflections December 31st”

Spiritual Honesty – Grapevine Article April 1985 by W.H.

AS A RECOVERING member of Alcoholics Anonymous and an agnostic, I would like to present a few thoughts on our Fellowship from an agnostic viewpoint. One thing that makes my own experience unusual is that I came into the program eighteen years ago professing a conventional belief in God and had no problem accepting theContinue reading “Spiritual Honesty – Grapevine Article April 1985 by W.H.”

Rebellion or Acceptance – As Bill Sees It #293

All of us pass through times when we can pray only with the greatest exertion. Occasionally we go even further than this. We are seized with a rebellion so sickening that we simply won’t pray. When these things happen, we should not think too ill of ourselves. We should simply resume prayer as soon asContinue reading “Rebellion or Acceptance – As Bill Sees It #293”

4th Step Fear Inventory – Practice These Principles by Ray A.

Healthy and Unhealthy Fear Overcoming our fear is not always a good thing. We ought to have feared drinking, suggests the Big Book, for we knew how much suffering and humiliation it had wrought. But we did not. We lacked “the kind of defense that keeps one from putting his hand on a hot stove”Continue reading “4th Step Fear Inventory – Practice These Principles by Ray A.”

Using the 11th Step / St. Francis Prayer

The Saint Francis Assisi Prayer, often used as an 11th Step Prayer in Alcoholics Anonymous, is an immensely popular and empowering prayer used in recovery. Anyone moving through recovery will eventually encounter the prayer and will get to work through its significance and impact on their spirituality, life, and outlook. If you’re just starting your recoveryContinue reading “Using the 11th Step / St. Francis Prayer”

Turn It All Over – Grapevine Article January 1984 by J.W.

Step Three I WAS WHAT is called a high-bottom drunk. When I got to the AA program, I had not been beaten down enough to have anything even remotely approaching real humility. I was smug, arrogant, self-satisfied, and certain that every area of my life except my alcoholism was firmly and securely under my control.Continue reading “Turn It All Over – Grapevine Article January 1984 by J.W.”

Pitfalls In Early Sobriety – Grapevine Article March 2014 by Todd H.

A member with 120 days describes some of the things that proved difficult I am fond of saying, “Life does not stop while you’re recovering.” For me that saying applies to both failures and successes. Just because you decide to get sober does not make you immune to life’s challenges. Life is an endless seaContinue reading “Pitfalls In Early Sobriety – Grapevine Article March 2014 by Todd H.”