Recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous affects people in many way. The first and most obvious I their ability to abstain from the use of alcohol for without that that there can be no recovery. Next is the willingness to abandon the idea that they can do this on their own and to seek the help of …
Desperation is a Great Motivator — Serenity is a Great Helper Read More »
This excerpt is from 12 Stupid Things That Mess Up Recovery by Allen Berger. It has been edited for brevity. Anyone who has spent time in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other Twelve Step–based recovery programs–realizes–that self-centeredness and self-will run riot and are viewed as the root cause of addiction. Many Twelve Steppers interpret this as …
Stupid Thing 8: Confusing Self-Concern with Selfishness Read More »
The sad thing is – “If I tell myself something long enough, I’ll actually believe it.” That, unfortunately was my story. Selfish self- centeredness was the root of my troubles and delusion is my trump card. When all else failed, I just pretended that either I did- n’t recognize the problem or it was no …
Most people don’t dive off the banks of the deep end with perfect form like Becky Ruehl and swim as strong as Joe Hudepohl did in the 1996 Olympics. Most people start in pools where there is minimal risk of danger and where there are ‘steps’ to safely enter and exit the calm sterile waters. …
When I think back to my drunken escapades I now realize just how much God was looking over me. Whether it was in a blackout driving a car or motorcycle, stumbling through the streets of Las Vegas or simply not killing myself on a flight of steps, my Higher Power was always there. To have …
How hard is it to make a list of all the things others do that irritate me? The crazy way people drive; getting behind someone in line who’s so slow; the coworker’s frequent mistakes and bad work ethic; the person who always talks too long in my home group; a relative who never said thanks …
I came into this program with a chip on my shoulder looking for a reason to bolt. I didn’t believe I was an alcoholic and tried hard to discount or totally not listen to all the knowledge that was freely given to me. My sponsor at the time suggested that I concentrate on just the …
To balk: “to be unwilling to do something or to allow something to happen… to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified.” “If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it, then you are ready to take …
“When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for usbut to pick up the simple spiritual tool kit left at our feet. We have found much of heaven and we have been rocketedinto a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.”(Alcoholics …
Like many men, sports play a big part in our lives. Especially when we are younger and more able to participate than being a spectator. When I first came back to AA (back meaning my first 2 visits were unsuccessful) I thought I’d do something different like take suggestions. The bargain I made with myself …