"Once the alcoholic understands the desirability of accepting reality, to the best of his ability and within the limits which we all have, he has taken a step toward maturity. The difference between the mentally healthy person and the unhealthy one is the ability to face the realities of life."
"Open-mindedness seems to me a core spiritual principle of the program ... Without it I cannot change."
"Whether I conceive of God as a set of immutable cosmic laws or as an old man with a white robe and matching beard is totally and gloriously irrelevant. All that matters are my values and attitudes and how I act upon them."
"It has been the actions of others that has given me unfailing support throughout my sobriety. It also shows how I am to respond to those whom I can help. I am responsible to see that the hand of AA is available to anyone."
"It isn't possible for all of us to be loners."
"In AA's Eleventh Step I find that I build today the road I travel tomorrow."
"We've resolved never to allow either money or the management of our necessary affairs to obscure our spiritual aims."
"The emotional balance that eluded me is returning with prayer."
"'Yes, we AAs were once a burden on everybody. We were "takers." Now that we are sober, and by the grace of God have become responsible citizens of the world, why shouldn't we now about-face and become 'thankful givers'! Yes, it is high time we did!"
"My prayers are usually brief and to the point. 'Help!' is one I use often."
"I know that I am not a total loss, even when I think I am. I know that freedom and usefulness, love, outgoingness, and sharing are the important things in life."
"I know that I will never be sober long enough to be alcohol-proof."
"After so many years of being a hazard, a public nuisance at best, I feel obliged to do something positive."
"There is always grace for the days I'm helpless."
"I went to Paris when I was young to become an artist. I wanted to be rich and famous, but God had another plan. I'm neither rich nor famous. Instead, I got sober."
