What does making coffee have to do with sobriety? Even very early in my sobriety, I had a begrudging recognition that there was wisdom in the simple phrases I saw posted on the walls of meetings. I had some contempt for these cutesy expressions and the people who said them. I also had serious doubtsContinue reading “Simple But Not Easy – Grapevine Article November 2008 by Scott N.”
Category Archives: Service
Peace Of Mind – September 14th Daily Reflections
Do we lay the matter before our sponsor or spiritual adviser, earnestly asking God’s help and guidance–meanwhile resolving to do the right thing when it becomes clear, cost what it may?-TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p p. 86-87 My belief in a Higher Power is an essential part of my work on Step Nine; forgiveness,Continue reading “Peace Of Mind – September 14th Daily Reflections”
An Atheist Speaks Out – Grapevine Article May 1962 by E.L.
I AM an alcoholic and an atheist. I am addressing this to those alcoholics who have had trouble with the religious overtones in the AA program. But let me state first that it depresses me to think of what life would be like without AA. It has been long on my mind to write thisContinue reading “An Atheist Speaks Out – Grapevine Article May 1962 by E.L.”
Embracing Change – Grapevine Article March 2020 by Paula C.
Sobriety prepared her to step out of her comfort zone and take on a new adventure I always figured I would die at my desk. I was afraid I couldn’t face retirement because I wouldn’t stay sober with so much free time available. Drunk and sober, work had always been a constant and something thatContinue reading “Embracing Change – Grapevine Article March 2020 by Paula C.”
A Gift To Joe – Grapevine Article March 2016 by Joe T
Stuck in the rehab, he met a man who gave him a way out and also a way back in I was at the beginning of my second year of sobriety. It was late in October and the leaves were falling. The days were cool and the time of year was inviting nostalgia. My drinking friendsContinue reading “A Gift To Joe – Grapevine Article March 2016 by Joe T”
What Is Happiness – Grapevine Article January 2017 by Edwin B.
A son’s question on an autumn day reminds a sober dad just how far he’s come This fall, I was raking the lawn and my 22-year-old son, Nico, was bagging leaves for me. At one point, he asked me, “Does raking make you happy?” My initial thought was, Just stuff the leaves in the freakingContinue reading “What Is Happiness – Grapevine Article January 2017 by Edwin B.”
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.”
The Whisper of Humility – Grapevine Article March 1955 by E.M., MD.
ONE PART of our great program–the Twelve Traditions–has come to mean life itself to me. The Traditions, as written by our co-founder Bill, define for me clearly and precisely how to get well and stay well. They tell me who God is, what He does, and where He functions. They show me what spirituality isContinue reading “The Whisper of Humility – Grapevine Article March 1955 by E.M., MD.”
In Partnership – As Bill Sees It #220
As we made spiritual progress, it became clear that, if we ever were to feel emotionally secure, we would have to put our lives on a give-and-take basis; we would have to develop the sense of being in partnership or brotherhood with all those around us. We saw that we would need to give constantlyContinue reading “In Partnership – As Bill Sees It #220”
Giving – Grapevine Article December 1990 by Mary J.
I was feeling sad, frustrated, and sorry for myself, because this year, like so many before, I didn’t have the money to buy gifts. I didn’t even have any creative energy to make up for it. I was fighting a sense of failure and despair that I would ever “get on with my life.” IContinue reading “Giving – Grapevine Article December 1990 by Mary J.”