Next we launched out on a course of vigorous action, the first step of which is a personal housecleaning, which many of us had never attempted. Though our decision (i.e. Step 3) was a vital and crucial step, it could have little permanent effect unless at once followed by a strenuous effort to face, andContinue reading “Beginning Our ‘Course of Vigorous Action’ – BB pgs 63,64 (Step 4 – 9)”
Category Archives: Step 4
When Our Instincts Tyrannize Us – Twelve & Twelve / Step 4 pg 42
Creation gave us instincts for a purpose. Without them we wouldn’t be complete human beings. If men and women didn’t exert themselves to be secure in their persons, made no effort to harvest food or construct shelter, there would be no survival. If they didn’t reproduce, the earth wouldn’t be populated. If there were noContinue reading “When Our Instincts Tyrannize Us – Twelve & Twelve / Step 4 pg 42”
God-Given Instincts – As Bill Sees It #142
Creation gave us instincts for a purpose. Without them we wouldn’t be complete human beings. If men and women didn’t exert themselves to be secure in their persons, made no effort to harvest food or construct shelter, there would be no survival. If they didn’t reproduce, the earth wouldn’t be populated. If there were noContinue reading “God-Given Instincts – As Bill Sees It #142”
My Old Pal, Pride – Grapevine Article January 1978 by Anonymous
AROUND THE TABLES, passing years and the sweet rewards of not taking the first drink have aided my development of a new habit, namely, patience. I can listen to an AA telling the same story for the hundredth time and still say, “Don’t worry. Call any time you need help,” At a business meeting ofContinue reading “My Old Pal, Pride – Grapevine Article January 1978 by Anonymous”
My Authentic Self – Grapevine Article February 2020 by K.J.
Filled with rage and punk rock, her teen years were rough. But since coming to AA, she has reinvented her life I always wanted to be seen as an adult. I had a half-brother who was 14 years older than me. We lived right outside New York City, in an upper middle-class town with myContinue reading “My Authentic Self – Grapevine Article February 2020 by K.J.”
Surrender & Emotional Sobriety – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger
*Extracted from various chapters of 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety. These extracts were based upon the book quotations and supporting materials when searching on ’surrender’ What Is The Relationship Between Surrender & Emotional Sobriety Bill W struggled with depression for most of his life. He took on his depression in recovery. For the firstContinue reading “Surrender & Emotional Sobriety – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety – Dr. Allen Berger”
Accepting What Is – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety
Sentence Completion Exercise Any endeavor to change must include looking at the forces within us that would sabotage our best efforts. We need to become aware of how we interfere with the process of acceptance. The following exercise can help. Take each sentence stem and write it at the top of a piece of paper.Continue reading “Accepting What Is – 12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety”
The Hidden Assassin – January 1972 by J.W.
Beware the enemy that lurks beneath the surface of our conscious selves AT AA MEETINGS, resentment is a popular topic of discussion. Everyone seems to suffer from it, and everyone agrees that it’s bad. Many of us get to relate little resentful anecdotes to the tune of understanding laughter, and though we often carry ourContinue reading “The Hidden Assassin – January 1972 by J.W.”
Antidote For Fear – As Bill Sees It #196
When our failings generate fear, we then have soul-sickness. This sickness, in turn, generates still more character defects. Unreasonable fear that our instincts will not be satisfied drives us to covet the possessions of others, to lust for sex and power, to become angry when our instinctive demands are threatened, to be envious when theContinue reading “Antidote For Fear – As Bill Sees It #196”
Legacy Of Resentment – Grapevine Article December 2010 by Tom L.
Chains of bitterness toward his mother are shattered through forgiveness Returning from school, halfway down the hall leading to my apartment, I smelled the familiar mixed odors of smoke and booze. With dread in my heart, I knew what I was about to face: my drunken mother in her messy housecoat, sitting on a chairContinue reading “Legacy Of Resentment – Grapevine Article December 2010 by Tom L.”