“We are average Americans. All sections of this country and many of its occupations are represented, as well as many political, economic, social, and religious backgrounds. We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful. We are like the passengers of a great liner the moment after rescue … Read More
Tradition 7: Responsibility – Alethea H_July 2015
There are so many benefits to this tradition for the alcoholic and for the group and for all AA as a whole. When we first come into AA we were at a bottom – nothing was working for us. Many did not have a job or a place to stay, but most could still find the money for the next drink. We surrendered … Read More
I Am A Sober Father – Spencer S_June 2015
I remember I always wanted to be a dad. Growing up I dreamed of having a son of my own one day. I would teach him how to be a gentleman, play golf, work hard for the things he wants, to always be honest and not to take things for granted. Enjoy life! When I was younger I thought by … Read More
The Sixth Step – Kevin L_June 2015
The enigmatic Sixth Step, after the buildup to Step Four and the ceremony of Step Five, seemed lost to me the first time through…and second. Sitting quietly for an hour with nobody watching, nobody timing, nothing to turn in, felt just so anticlimactic. But living sober I’ve learned the gravity of Step Six and that being entirely ready to have God remove my … Read More
My Experience with Step Five – Toni L_June2015
It was my fourth time going through the steps before I thought I really “got” it on step five. (By got it, I mean that I felt I finally understood the real objective.) The first three times were not by any means a waste. They were like a warm up for the real thing. As it says in the Big Book, “More than … Read More
On Tradition Three – Editorial by Bill W reprinted from the Grapevine, December 1947
“Our membership ought to include all who suffer alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought A.A. membership ever depend upon money or conformity. Any two or three alcoholics gathered together for sobriety may call themselves an A.A. group, provided that, as a group, they have no other affiliation.” This is a sweeping statement indeed; it … Read More
Sober Mother – Suzi W from Maryland_May 2015
I was born to be a mother. Thankfully, my higher power gave me the gift of sobriety first. Twenty five years of binge drinking kept me from achieving my heart’s desires. I was 12 years old when I had my first blackout; I was 37 when I had my last. In between my first and last drinks, there were some … Read More