Feb
21
I’M PART OF THE WHOLE
February 21, 2008 | Leave a Comment
At once, I became a part–if only a tiny part–of a cosmos…. AS BILL SEES IT, p. 225
When I first came to A.A., I decided that “they” were very nice people–perhaps a little naive, a little too friendly, but basically decent, earnest people (with whom I had nothing in common). I saw “them” at meetings [...]
Feb
20
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER
February 20, 2008 | Leave a Comment
At this juncture, his A.A. sponsor usually laughs. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 26
Before my recovery from alcoholism began, laughter was one of the most painful sounds I knew. I never laughed and I felt that anyone else’s laughter was directed at me! My self-pity and anger denied me the simplest of pleasures or [...]
Feb
19
I’M NOT DIFFERENT
February 19, 2008 | Leave a Comment
In the beginning, it was four whole years before A.A. brought permanent sobriety to even one alcoholic woman. Like the “high bottoms, ” the women said they were different; . . . The Skid-Rower said he was different . . . so did the artists and the professional people, the rich, the poor, the religious, [...]
Feb
18
OUR PATHS ARE OUR OWN
February 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment
… there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 25
My first attempt at the Steps was one of obligation and necessity, which resulted in a deep feeling of discouragement in the face of all those adverbs: courageously; completely; humbly; directly; [...]
Feb
17
THE LOVE IN THEIR EYES
February 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Some of us won’t believe in God, others can’t, and still others who do not believe that God exists have no faith whatever He will perform this miracle. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 25
It was the changes I saw in the new people who came into the Fellowship that helped me lose my fear, [...]
Feb
16
COMMITMENT
February 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Understanding is the key to right principles and attitudes, and right action is the key to good living. TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 125
There came a time in my program of recovery when the third stanza of the Serenity Prayer — “The wisdom to know the difference” –became indelibly imprinted in my mind. From [...]
Feb
15
TAKING ACTION
February 15, 2008 | Leave a Comment
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. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, p. 84
One of the most important things A.A. has given me, in addition to freedom from booze, is the ability to take “right action.” It says the promises [...]