Thanksgiving 2021
Thanksgiving 2021 T-Day is in the history books . . . ours was a quiet day—but good Break out the crayons and color me grateful and sober. Color me mindful, too of many alcoholics who are struggling in the isolation
I am a grateful recovering alcoholic since 1981. I am grateful for the wisdom, patience, and availability of so many folks who show up and share what they have learned working the Twelve Steps. Even those who stumbled, have taught me lessons for living. And I am grateful to God who preserved me, and gives me each day a chance to give away what was freely given.
Step Seven: Practice What I Say I Believe
Every time I come to it, Step Seven reminds me to practice what I say I believe. Humbly asked God to remove these defects of character. Because I believe what people told me about alcoholism — it is a three-fold
The Timeliness of Tradition Ten
The Timeliness of Tradition Ten In the craziness of the fall out from COVID and politics, the timeliness of Tradition Ten smacked me upside the head! Understanding the traditions upon which AA rests may not seem to be the best
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
Any Thing Worth Doing
When I read it, I did a double take: Anything worth doing the motto began, is worth doing poorly. Wait — What? I thought, if anything’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right! (The 4th Earl of Chesterfield) Reasons for Reluctance
Simple Isn’t Easy —
Simple isn’t easy. But keeping things — the stuff in my life — simple is essential for my sanity. Keep it Simple Stupid was one of the first suggestions I heard in those early meetings. Nervously sitting in — back
A Different Kind of Prayer Book
My 12 &12 has become a kind of prayer book. It shows me where I’ve disconnected myself from my Power source and suggests ways to return. I realized that at a recent meeting on the Second Step. No, the chapter is
First In-Person Meeting
The Last In-Person Meeting I attended my first in-person meeting since February 21, 2020. Someone there made a serendipitous observation, given all that soon happened. I can’t think my way through trouble; I have to live through trouble and learn to
Celebrating
Celebrating A friend told me of a recorded meeting, celebrating Liz Bailey’s 62nd anniversary. SIXTY-TWO YEARS?! Yep — July 11 was Liz Bailey’s 62nd anniversary — and God willing in August she will be 93 years young! Like all good