Let Go and Let God, Even in a Pandemic
A Slogan “Let go and let God” was one of the earliest suggestions I heard around the Al-Anon rooms. Too often in those early years, I treated the idea like a bumper sticker: good to read in traffic; easy to
Choosing Purpose and Praise
Somedays choosing purpose for the day, and choosing praise in some of the circumstances that are today, can feel like pushing through asphalt. Choosing Purpose Perusing the latest GRAPEVINE I found two letters to the editor that revived my sense
The Best and Scariest Thing About a Mirror
Look in the mirror, an AA used to say, if you want to know what your problems are. The best thing about a mirror is seeing yourself as you are, and that can be the scariest thing, too! Step Six
Letting Go and Holding Tight
Choosing a Name When the name for this blog , Letting Go and Holding Tight, first came to me, we were living in Dallas – having moved there for family business. I was far away from our familiar support networks:
COVID-19 and Christmas 2020
COVID-19 and Christmas 2020 Of all the posts I have written about sanity, sobriety during Christmas, I never imagined a COVID restrained celebration, or the effect it would have. Seems like the pandemic has canceled many events; but I choose
Wi-Fi, Parachutes and Me
I don’t know how Wi-Fi works, but when it doesn’t, I freak. Well, not really. But,when the Wi-Fi won’t connect me to where I want to go . . . on the Internet . . . the already tight space
Headlines and Hidden Hurts
Headlines describe the problem: COVID-19 opened the door to mental and emotional problems, even as the virus quarantined us. But they don’t solve the problems, the hidden hurts, that alcohol abuse can inflict.(Pretending Was a Dangerous Game) Seems if
How is Today an Opportunity in a Pandemic?
Today is the opportunity to build the tomorrow you want, the meme declared. Right – Somebody thought of that bromide before 2020! But, you know what? God offers to everyone the choice between truth and repose. Take which you please–you
Recovery in a Pandemic
Recovery from addictions in a pandemic might not be what Bill W and Dr. Bob imagined, but AA’s principles work, and their Higher Power is not social distancing! The cover of the April Grapevine is “Glad You Made It –