Are we afraid of expressing ourselves, to tell others how we feel? ~ 12 Step Literature In Step #4, as well as in Tradition #4, we are encouraged to find our AA voice and to speak up. We no longer have to pretend that things are just fine, when they indeed are not. We find… Read More Expressing Self
By trying to control others through manipulation and direct force, we had hurt others. When we tried to control ourselves, we wound up demoralized. Even when we succeeded, it wasn’t enough to make us happy. ~ 12 Step Literature The “If Only” game kept us drunk and sick. There was never enough love, passion, fun,… Read More If Only
We are neither above or below the rest of the human race. We area part of it. ~ 12 Step Literature Step #4 gives us a unique opportunity to review our relationships and to see for the first time the good that come of every single situation. I know, right!? haha. We have been so… Read More Part of Human Race
You will never know peace until you stop expecting others to change. ~ Anon One of the hardest parts of sponsoring others is the letting go. It is said, “you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink it.” That stands for sponsees as well. The Big Book and 12 X… Read More Know Peace
When the traditions first started, in 1946, we had become sure that an AA group could stand almost any battering. ~ AA 12 X 12, page 146 The traditions of AA prevent homicide. We can work together without the need to shoot each other in the foot or face. We can cooperate. Tradition #4 is… Read More When Traditions First Started
For many of us fear, worry, and anxiety have played a key role in our lives, robbing us of joy and keeping us from fulfilling us from our dreams. ~ 12 Step Literature One of the goals of a Step #4 inventory is to figure out the patterns of our past. Those patterns are otherwise… Read More Patterns of Past
All of us need the balance implicit in the concept of autonomy to be the unique AA groups and individuals we were meant to be. ~ 12 Step Literature We are not only responsible to ourselves and our groups, but we are responsible to other individuals and groups as well. When we can strike this… Read More Our Group Actions
Living by the 4th Tradition in AA means learning to act autonomously while living in harmony with others. ~ 12 Step Literature The other day, due to weather, I stayed in my own town and went to a meeting that typically would conflict with my regular weekend meeting commitment out of town. I was delighted… Read More Living in Harmony
We have a wrench for every nut! ~ Anon Just as each group is autonomous, so is each person in AA. How we work the program is completely up to us. We choose who will be our sponsor, which step to work on, how to pray, who or what to pray to, when to pray… Read More We Belong
Don’t believe everything you think! ~ Anon It is said that you cannot argue about feelings and fears. You can however argue about thoughts. This disease let’s us believe many untrue thoughts such as: It’s my body and my business. Now one can tell me what to do. It’s not fair. I deserve a little… Read More Our Thoughts
