Gratitude can best be defined and understood as the only possible response to a gift, to something recognized as utterly, freely given. Gratitude is the vision—the way of seeing—that recognizes “gift.” Our culture seems on the verge of losing the meaning of the experience of gratitude, in part because we have lost all sense ofContinue reading “Gratitude – The Spirituality Of Imperfection By Ernest Kurtz (Excerpted from Chapter 12)”
Category Archives: Serenity
Serenity – Grapevine Article December 1973 By J.H.
That elusive state of being that comes with total acceptance THE DAUGHTER, the son, and a few close friends had gathered around the AA old-timer. He had just announced his decision. Rather than go to a renowned cancer-treatment center, he was sticking with his local doctor. “There’s a possibility,” I pointed out, “that your voiceContinue reading “Serenity – Grapevine Article December 1973 By J.H.”
It’s Worth The Work – Grapevine Article August 2024 By Doug M.
Through years of sober experience, good and bad, he learned about love, faith and sharing the fun Relationships are hard. I’m not sure if they are harder for alcoholics, but they certainly aren’t easier. My first day of sobriety was the day after a very messy Valentine’s night [see Doug’s February 2014 story, “My MessyContinue reading “It’s Worth The Work – Grapevine Article August 2024 By Doug M.”
Bright Promise – Grapevine Article July 1956 By Anonymous
THREE years ago an official prognosis for rehabilitation in my case would have read “hopeless.” An alcoholic who could not hold a job, divorced, estranged from my parents, I came and went through prison gates like an official–except that I remained behind the walls a longer period of time. After my fourth conviction I wasContinue reading “Bright Promise – Grapevine Article July 1956 By Anonymous”
Persistence In Prayer As Bill Sees It #127
We often tend to slight serious meditation and prayer as something not really necessary. To be sure, we feel it is something that might help us to meet an occasional emergency, but at first many of us are apt to regard it as a somewhat mysterious skill of clergymen, from which we may hope toContinue reading “Persistence In Prayer As Bill Sees It #127”
Serenity Brings Clarity – Spiritual Principles A Day January 22nd
“Serenity doesn’t mean that we don’t experience dramatic events. It gives us the clarity of mind to go through them.” Living Clean, Chapter 7, “Living Our Principles” “Ahhhhh, serenity. A permanent state of peacefulness, contentment, and awe. Those of us with time clean float around on a spiritual plane that newcomers can aspire to andContinue reading “Serenity Brings Clarity – Spiritual Principles A Day January 22nd”
Choice Regained – Grapevine Article July 1961 By V.W.
One of the greatest benefits of sobriety. . . AA HAS brought me numerous gifts in addition to sobriety, but all of them pivot about that one central necessity for the alcoholic: to gain and maintain sobriety. Without that I would again lose my direction and my identity and revert to a weary wanderer inContinue reading “Choice Regained – Grapevine Article July 1961 By V.W.”
Inner & Outer – Each Day A New Beginning July 22nd Reflection
How I relate to my inner self-influences my relationships with all others. My satisfaction with myself and my satisfaction with other people are directly proportional.—Sue Atchley Ebaugh Hateful attitudes toward others, resistance to someone’s suggestions, jealousy over another woman’s attractiveness or particular abilities are equally strong indications of the health of our spiritual programs. OurContinue reading “Inner & Outer – Each Day A New Beginning July 22nd Reflection”
Putting It Off A Day At A Time – Grapevine Article June 1984 By C.C.
AMONG THE PARADOXES that apply to alcoholics is that we are impatient procrastinators. We want success and perfection right now, but we are caught up by a disease that functions as the world’s greatest delaying mechanism. Taking things slowly and gradually, as well as simply, in Alcoholics Anonymous makes character growth more solid. We areContinue reading “Putting It Off A Day At A Time – Grapevine Article June 1984 By C.C.”
The Twelve Promises following the 9th Step – Big Book pg 83,84
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. The Twelve Promises Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.