Friends of Doctor Bob's topics - tribe.net

In the rooms, need a room

2009-04-01T20:49:55Z

Looking for a clean & sober household to rent me a room.
Employeed, references avail.
ronavila@hotmail.com
415.205.2732

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Critical Thoughts

2009-02-27T21:06:25Z

www.orange-papers.org/menu1.html

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Anybody want to share tonight?

2008-07-16T12:33:02Z

Hi my Name is Ross and I'm an Alcoholic. After a 30 year career drinking fullof low lights and zero self esteem I finally got to AA 17 months ago and haven't taken a drop since. As an Aussie we know how to drink and just like all alcoholics I didn't believe I had a problem until well past I could do anything about it... I was caught in a daily cycle of waking up and never wanting to drink again, by lunch time I was ok and by 4pm I was driving into a bottleshop... every day, some worse than others. Friends and family gone, nearly lost my kids, 3 marriages , lots of money, lots of good jobs... all gone... most of all, I honestly felt like the world was better off without me, but I didn't have the guts to do anything about it... so I wallowed day after day in my own misery.

I now have a home group, I do service work, I have a higher power, a sponsor... have done the steps for the 1st time and work them every day to the best of my ability I have a brand new shiny and wonderful life... I am and always will be a grateful memebr of AA.

cheers
Rossco

I hope I can read someone elses share when I log on tomorrow...

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

TRUTH IS FREE; so is my RETREAT --Vermont

2007-11-05T18:11:03Z

I'm looking to network with folks, to extend an invitation to visit Bald Mountain Retreat (www.baldmountainretreat.com) as my guest. Like-minded people who appreciate rustic accommodations are welcome to come up at no charge. (Those who require a private room can inquire about those accommodations as well.)
Basically, I'm offering people the opportunity to come stay with a retired naturopathic doctor in a truly amazing natural setting, secluded, idyllic, peaceful...
Also, if you might like to lead a retreat, please contact me.
Thank you and you are welcome,
Dr David

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Burning Sober and having fun!

2007-07-04T16:53:23Z

Those of us burning in recovery have successfully worked to upgrade Anonymous Camp to Anonymous Village. We now have more playa dust to accommodate any participant who wants to camp with other clean and sober burners. We have 3,12-step meeting daily with more upon request, Evening bike wanderings, and group dinners and outings on both burn nights. Join us or tell your friends!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Hi, I'm Dan, I'm new to tribes.net, and I'm looking to make sober tribes.net friends in sobriety

2007-04-24T07:05:13Z

I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Daniel J. Thanks to a power greater than myself and the program and fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, I have been able not to drink or use drugs, one day at a time for almost 7,000 days -- that's a little over nineteen years. I am very active in AA. I attend a meeting every day, work the 12 steps on a continuous basis, work with three sponsees and a number of newcomers, have a sponsor who has a sponsor, and I do my best to keep the Big Book a working part of my conscious mind. I read it a lot, and I love going to Big Book study meetings. I love Bill and Bob and all the Founders, and I think how hard they had to work to carry the message so that the hand of AA was there for me when I was ready to take it. I take this program very seriously because I have seen hundreds of times where this progressive and inevitably fatal disease takes us. To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face, I know; so I work very diligently with newcomers and other drunks. It's been my great privilege to have had the wonderful AAs in my life who have taught me everything that this hopeless, helpless drunk has needed to know about my life. And I still am loving every day of my sobriety, good and bad. I would never want to disappoint the Wilsons and the Smiths!

I look forward to getting to know you better. HOW, Dan

PS: please check out my sober spiritual blog, Vajra Surfers @ http://vajrasurfers.blogspot.com/

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Official US Olympic Supplement -contains 60+ Key Antioxidants for overall long-term health

2007-03-01T20:06:35Z

Hey everyone! Make sure that you take a minute to check out Lifepak Nano by Pharmanex.
Pharmanex operates in 46 countries globally, and is the official supplement provider to the US Olympic teams!! Lifepak Nano has "clinically significant amounts of key nutrients, including 60+ Antioxidants." Not only are the ingredients Nano-encapsulated for proven 5-10 times absorpability, but pharmanex can measure your absorption with a patented 90-second LASER test shined onto your hand!
Increased antioxidants will give you more stamina, protection, and repair for your body, while acting as the most effective Anti-aging supplement available.

Take a few minutes that may change your life! Check out: http://gettingstarted.mypharmanex.com
and http://www.nuglobalmonopoly.com/gettingstarted

Here are just a few of the key Ingredients in one daily dose of Lifepak Nano:
Vitamin A, B(6), B(12), C, D(3), E, K,
Thaimin
Riboflavin
Biotin
Omega 3 EPA, DHA, Krill Oil
Catechins
Citrus Bioflavenoids
Quercetin
Grape Seed extract
Resveratrol
Gamma-, Beta-, and Delta- Tocopherol
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha Carotene
Beta Carotene
Lycopene
Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Astaxanthin
Nano CoQ10

plus most typical supplmental ingredeints

Check out: http://gettingstarted.mypharmanex.com

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

hey i'm looking to do something for NYE

2007-01-06T10:15:53Z

hey out there i'm looking for some good clean and sober fun for NYE and was hoping someone out there might have an idea of something, please write back soon

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

It's my birthday

2006-12-27T00:22:08Z

Hey all - I don't post much - and I don't go to meetings much - But I'm proud as hell to say that today marks my 18th year. It seems like sooooo long - another lifetime - literally! Considering I got clean at 16, it's really more than another lifetime. Anyway, best wishes to anyone struggling and here's to "old timers" (is that really me??) staying on our toes. My life in the last 18 years is a gift I could have never imagined - and I have you and people like you to thank for it.

Willow

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Thingss I learned as a newcomer - by way of an introduction

2006-12-19T06:27:22Z

Ny name is Nicky, I'm a drunk;

I've been sober since February 29, 1988 and have been on Tribe for about a year and a half and only now stumbled on the AA tribes. I wrote this for the Sonoma Co. newsletter a few years ago, and in rereading it, I wouldn't change much.

I look forward to reading the back posts and new ones, and making connections with other sober folks online.

Nicky

THINGS I LEARNED AS A NEWCOMER by
Nicky Y.

When I was counting days, I heard a lot of slogans, phrases and suggestions that sometimes didn't make sense to me, but are now indispensable bits of wisdom in aid of my staying sober. Here are a few of them.

"There's only two things you need to know about a higher power: 1) That there is a power greater than yourself, and 2) You aren't it!" This was a tough one for me because I didn't think I was playing God, I was just trying to "Get it Together" and that meant I had to control a thing or two:

To help me get over the control hump, they said to me: "When you Turn It Over, don't forget to Let It Go, or you'll be hanging upside down, holding on." Along with that was "When you get to the end of your rope, let go, God will catch you." Pretty tough for somebody who didn't believe in God or a higher power. I asked my sponsor how he could believe in this claptrap, and he asked me if I could control my drinking. I allowed as how I couldn't really control it, and he asked me if booze wasn't more powerful than I. Yes, I admitted that alcohol was more powerful than my will, and therefore it was a power greater than myself. This left me wide open, and he asked if I could believe that there might be some benevolent power greater than myself that I could put my faith in.

So, I began to have faith in door knobs. He didn't care what it was, just so long as it wasn't me, and that I attempted to imagine a loving, benevolent higher power to which I could turn over my life. That first attempt at having a positive power greater than myself has continued to expand through the years. I believe today that I have always had faith - sometimes negative, but faith nonetheless. At first I had faith that everything was going to get messed up in my life, that the world was out to get me, and that I was screwed from the beginning. This faith, combined with the faith that booze would make things better served me well - for a while. Whenever I was proven right about the rotten state of affairs, I got to drink, and believe in the power of alcohol.

My sponsor was very devious about this belief mechanism. I often argued that maybe there wasn't a higher power - it was all a hoax; but he suggested that I retire from the debating society, and act as if there were a loving God out there. He told me that I was intelligent, that I'd come to the conclusion that there was no God, and that my belief in a lack of a higher power was proved every day.

But, he said, "If you believed there were a loving God, and you acted as if there were one, your life would be much different. And if, at the end of your life having believed in a power greater than yourself, you found that there were none, would you care? You'd have lived a full, happy life, believing in a fictitious God, but what would it matter if it wasn't true? You would have had a happy life anyway."

I couldn't argue with that, and it gave me a kind of con-artist hope that I could put one over on this cold world. And he encouraged me to put one over on myself as well. "Acting As If" has served me well because it gets me "Into Action." "Act Your Way into Right Thinking, Don't Think Your Way Into Right Action" helped me to change the focus from complaint to acceptance. A corollary is "Action Precedes Motivation," and that sums up AA's way of doing things to change my life.

"It's a Simple Program for Complicated People" - this one I have found it helpful to modify. I say, "It's a Simple Program for Complicating People." I have observed that drunks like me tend to take something straightforward and make it difficult and hard.

"Keep the Focus on Yourself" was one I couldn't grasp for a long time and its corollary is: "It's None of Your Business What People Think of You." Hard as this was to get, it helped me see that if I quit worrying about my reputation, I could spend that energy on becoming who I was supposed to be - in God's eyes. By keeping the focus on myself I quit playing God, and I diminished my judgement of others. There's a phrase in the Big Book that says that an alcoholic is not qualified to judge anybody, and that too is liberating because if I can get myself to see I'm not qualified to judge, then I can leave that job to my higher power and get back to being me.

"To Thine Own Self Be True" had me stumped. I thought I'd been true to myself when I was selfishly going after whatever I wanted when I drank. But I was being true to my alcoholism, not myself. As I did the steps, and I got past the fifth step, I began to see that if I could accept myself as I was, I could then allow myself to be me. By not violating myself with booze and destructive behavior, I was able to see that I could do the things I'd always wanted to do, but felt unworthy, unqualified, and too scared to try. I've since come to believe that God's Will for me is the things I want to do, but scare me the most before attempting them. I had traded the drama of drinking for the thrill of self-actualization and given away the cheap thrill as no longer seeming better than facing my challenges and walking through the fear.

"Ask For Help" was one of the first slogans I was able to comprehend. I had a few weeks in and was upset about something, and I told this woman in the program about it. She wondered if I had asked for help, and directed me to a guy with some time. It was a strange sensation to go up to someone and talk about something that I used to drink over - and though I was ashamed, he didn't seem to mind or think it odd at all. At the time it was a big deal, I can't remember what it was, but I remember the experience of asking for help as a singularly counter-intuitive action that worked.

"Keep It Simple" was something I'd heard of before, but I thought it was for people who were too stupid to work things out for themselves. I was in the habit of complicating the simplest thing, and not able to understand why I was so confused and upset when it all went to hell in a handbasket. One of my music teachers had tried to get this across to me years before with the phrase: "Separate your difficulties" which is what one does to keep it simple. I still have a hard time breaking things down to their constituent parts, and I need somebody outside me to help me do that.

So, I would hear: "If you want to know how you're doing, ask your sponsor." I would wonder what kind of idiot came up with that - and figured the cult aspect of AA used this as a tool to get me to relinquish control over my life. How would a sponsor know how I was doing? I would get upset at this, but they would patiently explain that I was inside the experience and unable to know how well I was doing. In addition, I had little experience with doing things that weren't self-destructive. My sponsor spelled it out that "To build self esteem, you have to do estimable acts." That was when I knew he was nuts. However he told me that building self esteem was so foreign to me that I wouldn't know what it felt like.

Every time I did something different than I'd done before - not lie, avoid a fight, let something go - I'd feel awful. I wanted to know what I'd done wrong and I would go to him asking what was up. He would listen to me and pronounce that I'd just done an estimable act, and that's why I felt like crap. Huh?! He explained that it was the exact opposite of my normal behavior and I didn't have a "sober reference" for it, so it was normal for me to feel uncomfortable. And that was why I had to ask my sponsor how I was doing - I couldn't tell on my own.

There's a lot more that I learned as a newcomer - things I still (if I want to) use today to fit myself to maximum service to my fellows. The basics are all there is, and they work regardless the amount of time sober. Alcoholism is relieved of its power when honesty, open-mindedness and willingness combine within me to change my question from "Why?" to "HOW." Then I get into the stream of life and out of my own way.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Hi folks its me David and I drifted away for awhile to work the program i have one year as of sunday !!!!!

2006-10-16T01:50:05Z

I got this really great sponsor (book thumper) and he took me through the book and i have been going to tons of great meetings book studies doing coffee set up sweeping floors and i even got to speak at a young peoples meeting . my life now is so different from just one short year ago.
i have all new friends new dreams new connection (to God) not drugs and booze and crime.
i started my own dogwalking business which is going swell not a lot of money yet but sooooooooooo much fun.
i will post a pic of me and the kids.
all i can say is thanks for the suggestions from earlier on they work they really work.
my sponsor wants me to seek out sponsees to work with so i can give back i hope i can be a good sponsor.
anyway
with love and grattitude
david and bob

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Is this appropriate action?

2006-08-23T12:08:09Z

I did post this on another related tribe. Don't flame me for it.

My friend is 6 mo sober. She went through 90 meets in 90 days. Makes meetings religiously, is attending church. She is in voluntary counseling, she lives in a SLE and is an exemplary resident, she has a job is an exemplary employee with many advancements. She is jumping through hoops to get things right and get on with life.

Her X wants her to go through a 28 day program, or no child visitations. Salvation army program was mentioned. She'd lose her spot at her home, her job, etc. She was in a 28 day and insurance had her out after 12 days. Now she is getting on with life, and hates to lose everything again.

I feel that she is advanced beyond where the 28 day is designed to take you.

I know nothing of the programs beyond what I read online. Are there any counselors among you that I can talk to? Or any input? Help?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Hello

2006-08-16T22:09:17Z

Just wanted to say hi, my name is Doug and I am an alcoholic from Toledo, Ohio and I have been sober since June 15, 2002 I am new here. I just joined this group and just found Tribe and joined it today so I probably will not be around too much at first but once I get the hang of things I will be he often so I hope to share and read some of your E,S&H

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Question about Dr. Bob

2006-07-20T20:30:37Z

I have been informed that Dr. Bob died an alcoholic death. Is there any merit to this? The guy that told me has been around an eternity and he doesn't make stuff up so I just wanted to get me some concrete evidence!
Just a confused Alchy,
Justin S.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Dr. Silkworth Birthday Celebration......

2006-07-13T15:49:22Z

Subject: Dr. Silkworth Birthday Celebration, W.Long Branch NJ, 7/22/06
(Update)

You are cordially invited to the third annual Dr. Silkworth birthday
celebration!

Saturday, July 22, 2006 at 3:00PM (rain date July 29, 2006)

At his gravesite in Glenwood Cemetery, Route 71 (Monmouth Rd.), West
Long Branch NJ.

Speakers: Barbara Silkworth (a family member) and Mitchell K. (author of
“How It Worked - The Story of Clarence H. Snyder & the Early Days of AA
in Cleveland”)

Dr. William Duncan Silkworth is the author of the two letters in the
“Doctor’s Opinion” in the Big Book “Alcoholics Anonymous” and is known as
a friend to millions of alcoholics worldwide. He worked with Bill Wilson, AA’s
co-founder in N.Y.C., after Bill finally got sober in 1934. He gave deep
understanding and great encouragement to an infant society in the days
when a lack of understanding or a word of discouragement might easily have
killed it. He freely risked his professional reputation to champion an
unprecedented spiritual answer to the medical enigma and the human
tragedy of alcoholism. Without his blessing, our faith might well have died in
its birth. He was a luminous exception to the rule that only an alcoholic
understands an alcoholic. He knew us better than we knew ourselves,
better than we know each other. Many of us felt that his medical skill, great
as that was, was not at all the full measure of his stature. Dr. Silkworth
was something that it is difficult even to mention in these days. He was a
saintly man. He stood in an unusual relationship to truth. He was able
to see the truth of a man, when that truth was deeply hidden from the man
himself and from everyone else. He was able to save lives that were
otherwise beyond help of any kind. Such a man cannot really die. We wish
to honor this man, a gentle doctor with white hair and china blue eyes.

Dr. Silkworth lived on Chelsea Avenue in Long Branch, attended Long
Branch High School where he has been inducted in that school’s Hall of Fame,
graduated from Princeton University, and lived for a while in Little
Silver. He was born on July 22, 1873 and died on March 22, 1951.

PLEASE BE SURE TO BRING A LAWN CHAIR OR SOMETHING TO SIT ON.
If you have any questions please call Barefoot Bill at 201-232-8749
(cell).

Directions:
Take the Garden State Parkway (north or south) to Exit 105 (Route 36),
continue on Route 36 approximately 2.5 to 3 miles through 5 traffic
lights (passing Monmouth Mall, two more shopping plazas, and several automobile
dealerships). Watch for green road signs stating “Route 71 South, West
Long Branch and Asbury Park” (this is before the sixth light). Take this
Turnoff to the right, past Carriage Square and bear right onto Route 71
(Monmouth Road.) Glenwood Cemetery appears very quickly on the left. The entrance
is marked by two stone pillars and the name. Once inside the cemetery,
bear left, go up the hill and make the first right (a hard right). The
gravesite is near the first tree on the right.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Hi there my name is david i am very new to this any pointers or tips on what to do

2006-06-27T18:11:49Z

i have five months sober yesterday and i like being on line but it isolates me a little so i figure i should done somthing constructive anyway hi

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 5 replies

clean and sober camp out

2006-06-26T00:39:18Z

E-Z RIDERS Motorcycle Club is hosting a clean and sober campout weekend July 28-29-30, 2006
flyer -- ez-riders.net/BIGSURRUN/RunFlyer06.pdf
web site -- ez-riders.net/
pictures of last year -- ez-riders.net/pictures/bi...run2005.html

last year it was a lot of fun. hope some tribe folks can join us.

thanks

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

heal in Vermont www.baldmountainretreat.com

2006-05-09T21:01:47Z

heal in Vermont www.baldmountainretreat.com

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Relationships Gone Wild

2006-04-12T00:24:50Z

It seems so many relationships are falling apart right now. In my counseling business, i am working with seven different couples that are a breath away from saying goodbye to each other.

I also have friends and aquaintances who are in crisis in their relationships. My Astrologer friend claims it is because Mercury is in retrograde. Lots of opinions. For what it is worth, I would like to throw my opinions in the pot for your feedback and thoughts.

1. We seem to be a society of instant gratification. High speed internet, 150 channels immediately available on our remote and microwaves are faster than ever. We want it all NOW. It is hard for us to delay our gratification. We tend to leave five minutes before the miracle. In fact we are a society of leaving....leaving spiritual paths to try a new one, leaving jobs, leaving lovers, leaving families, leaving where we live for what we think will be something better. And after we do our geographical, we find the same problems and challenges follow us.

2. This one just might really stir the pot. In so many cases, the couples I counsel finally after much denial admit that alcohol and drugs are a serious issue in the relationship.

I have numerous phone clients. Recently, a couple I am working with back east both entered an inpatient treatment center. We are not talking about penniless slackers.
He is an attorney and she teaches English in a private high school.

Now, to keep it fair and honest, I am a recovered alcoholic. I will have been clean and sober 33 years this April 30. So I have experienced both sides of the coin. Am I prejudiced against alcohol and drugs? Maybe. But I can tell you this. In 26 years of the work I do, I have yet to see alcohol or drugs add value to a relationship.

We use chemicals to alter our state of consciousness so we don't have to face the reality of the here and now.

3. Most couples in crisis lack a strong spiritual program. I am NOT talking about religion, doctrine or dogma. I am talking about universal spiritual practices such as meditation,
non-sectarian prayer etc. that keep us in contact with Source. Personally, I am very Metaphysical in my spiritual path.

4. Couples in crisis seem to have their PH:D in the other person's behavior and they are at kindergarten level regarding their own behavior.

What I find sad, is the fact many of these relationships can be saved and healed, but people leave and give up way too soon. And then two years later they are back in my office with a new partner dragging the same old problems around in their lives. They re-invent the wheel time and time again.

PLEASE, if you are thinking of leaving, take a 30 day time out. Get some help, get some counseling. Make a list of the values and beauty that brought you together in the first place.
Spend 100% of your time for a week looking at YOUR behavior and zero percent of your time looking at your partners behavior. You may be surp[rised at what you discovered.

If this helps one couple, it has been worth me posting my opinions, be they right or wrong.
Would love to hear your feedback.
Love peace and blessings,
Jim Wilhite

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

call for readers

2006-04-10T23:02:47Z

I am looking for readers to read a 37 poem mss online and see if they like it. I need feed back
in order to publish it. Here is a sample:

bar talk

to Cathy Merris-McNealy

sun setting in the breeze
kids need supper
wife in bed with cramps
taxes due by midnight.
the phone rang
the wife took it.
it was mom.
i could hear the Jackals laughing again
and my bones knew it was my sister.

the one who looked like an Indian princess in Manhattan
before she returned to small town Illinois.
the one whose back broke
from stocking bars and working kitchens
in two different states for 20 years.
whose doc finally said nothing could be done,
just disability and dope.
whose tongue two weeks before
was so dope thick that
when she called me honey
i cried.
that one
had O.D.
and now was in withdrawal.

in the town of her birth
in the town of her mother's birth.
the town of her grandmother’s birth and death
in the town where her grand father
drank in sweating silent red brick streets and
danced other women in full moon snow still nights
while the Jackals of the Whorehouse of Death
circled laughing.
and now his granddaughter,
my sister ,
is looking in their eyes
to see if she wants their laughter
or her life.

this is for the one that you left in the morning
a long time ago: warm hands

for Marilyn
and what I was too scared to let happen

i forgot the way i described her skull
"..a baby with night attached."
and how I warmed my hands
on her breasts
braless beneath her sweater on
those winter mornings.
i forgot how when she would laugh ‘nd lean into me
my spine shuddered
poem to flesh.

i forgot how early that summer
she wrote that she was late.
a week later another came
everything was fine
and she was moving in with…

i forgot after a fall in Kobe i came home for Christmas,
there was another from her
she was leaving him
there was a number,
i never called.

i forgot her until yesterday when my boy told me
that a girl told another girl who told another girl who told him that the first girl liked him and what the heck should he do,
run or stay.
my hands
shuddered cold and i
muttered" warm your hands" at a light on
Telegraph and 51st.
he looked at me like I had lost it.
and you know
he was right.

tks for your time...

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

valentine to an old romantic fool

2006-03-23T21:12:23Z

valentine to an old romantic fool

i gave my ex her
valentine yesterday so to
day i think
i will give me
my best,
this ;
i love you,
“you silly old bear”
and am so
proud the way
you have walked thru the
fire these past three years while
the Whorehouse of Hell’s Jackal’s hungered for your soul.
thank you
for your strength
to get down on your
knees every morning
and ask for
help

comments?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

90 days today!

2006-01-14T04:32:12Z

Thought I had 90 days a week ago but it ends up I just can't add. Sheesh!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 12 replies

Does anyone visit this tribe?

2006-01-14T00:53:03Z

Just curious, Im new & see that there has been no postings at all since 8/22.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 15 replies

Buddhist help to help yourself...

2005-12-31T07:05:02Z

Here are some fundamental characteristics of human development that lead to resilience, vitality, inner stability, and peace of mind:

We move from reliance on external authority to an internal center of resonance & wisdom based on observation, experimentation, and experience.
We bring fascination, curiosity, and interest to all aspects of our lives & to relationships. We are comfortable with differences, and are able to reflect on our own feelings, thoughts, and emotional reactions.
We take personal responsibility for our internal experience - we realize we create our own feelings of anger, contempt, and judgments with our demands that situations & people be different than they are. We cease blaming or making up excuses & reasons for our problems.
We see situations & people as they truly are & make our decisions based on current reality, not our hopes that people will change.
We become increasingly able to attune & resonate with our internal world - including our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This ability to go deeply within ourselves decreases our need for either disassociation or external stimulation to relieve emptiness & boredom.
We realize that we are not our "minds," we are not all the teachings that have been put there. We exist beyond these teaching as essence.
We develop the will to do the things we know will help us feel stronger, healthier, more alive, and connected to others.
We develop the ability to self-soothe & calm ourselves when we are alone or with other people.
Our living becomes more congruent with our beliefs.
Our relationships become more authentic, trusting, open, and valued.
We are able to give & receive care, friendship, and support.
We accept the ever-changing nature of all life. The challenge of empowerment.
We affirm we have the power to take charge of our lives & stop being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem & security.
Alternative: We admit we were out of control with/powerless over _________ yet have the power to take charge of our lives & stop being dependent on substances or other people for our self-esteem & security.
We come to believe that we have the ability to develop our inner resources through a process of learning, exploration, daily practice, diligence, self reflection, and supportive relationships with others. (This is a new version of this step)
We make a decision to become our authentic selves & trust in the healing power of the truth.
We examine our beliefs, addictions, and dependent behavior in the context of living in a hierarchal, patriarchal culture.
We share with another person all the things inside of us for which we feel shame & guilt.
We affirm & enjoy our strengths, talents, and creativity.
We become willing to let go of guilt, shame, and any behavior that keeps us from accepting ourselves & others.
We make a list of people we have harmed & people who have harmed us, and take steps to clear out negative feelings by making amends & sharing our grievances in a respectful way.
We express love & gratitude to others, and increasingly appreciate the wonder of life & the blessings we do have.
We continue to trust our reality & daily affirm that we see what we see, we know what we know & we feel what we feel.
We promptly acknowledge mistakes & make amends when appropriate, but we do not say we are sorry for things we have not done & we do not cover up, analyze, or take responsibility for the shortcomings of others.
We seek out situations, jobs, and people who affirm our intelligence, perceptions, and self-worth & avoid situations or people who are hurtful, harmful, or demeaning to us.
We take steps to heal our physical bodies, organize our lives, reduce stress, and have fun.
We seek to find our inward calling, and develop the will & wisdom to follow it.
We accept that change, loss, death, and re-birth are part of the natural flow of life.
We grow in awareness that we are interrelated with all living things, and we contribute to restoring peace & balance on the planet.
This is active meditation, not medication with endless meetings for life that are depressing and disempowering. Without knowing this particular technique, I started to do something similar. Then, when I went to AA just for fun, I was so sad to see that people had to admit to being powerless to get to the first step. I never took that 1st step, I ran! I dosed myself with nutrition, love, silence, self sourcing. I quit sugar, caffeine, smoking all with ease. Not to mention my unmentionable ellicit illegal drug taking for like 16 years! And alcohol. I later found this, which is a more empowering 12 step for Buddhists.
BODHI'S BUDDHIST NON-THEISTIC 12 STEPS:

1. We admitted our addictive craving over alcohol, and recognised its consequences in our lives.
2. Came to believe that a power other than self could restore us to wholeness.
3. Made a decision to go for refuge to this other power as we understood it.
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
5. Admitted to ourselves and another human being the exact moral nature of our past.
6. Became entirely ready to work at transforming ourselves.
7. With the assistance of others and our own firm resolve, we transformed unskilful aspects of ourselves and cultivated positive ones.
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed.
9. Made direct amends to such people where possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. In addition, made a conscientious effort to forgive all those who harmed us.
10. Continue to maintain awareness of our actions and motives, and when we acted unskilfuly promptly admitted it.
11. Engaged through the practise of meditation to improve our conscious contact with our true selves, and seeking that beyond self. Also used prayer as a means to cultivate postive attitudes and states of mind.
12. Having gained spiritual insight as a result of these steps, we practise these principles in all areas of our lives, and make this message available to others in need of recovery\

The 12 Steps of Liberation
>>>>>Said another way:

1. The truth of suffering. We experienced the truth of our addictions – our lives
were unmanageable suffering.

2. The truth of the origin of suffering. We admit that we craved for and grasped
onto addictions as our refuge.

3. The truth of the end of suffering. We came to see that complete cessation of
craving and clinging at addictions is necessary.

4. The truth of the path. We made a decision to follow the way of liberation and
to take refuge in our wakefulness, our truth, and our fellowship.

5. Right view. We made a searching and fearless review of our life. We are
willing to acknowledge and proclaim our truth to ourselves, another human
being and the community.

6. Right thought. We are mindful that we create the causes for suffering and
liberation. Our goodness is indestructible.

7. Right speech. We purify, confess and ask for forgiveness straightforwardly
and without judgment. We are willing to forgive others.

8. Right action. We make a list of all persons we harm and are willing and able
to actively make amends to them all, unless to do so would be harmful.

9. Right livelihood. We simplify our lives, realizing we are all interconnected.
We select a vocation that supports our recovery.

10. Right effort. We realize that continuing to follow this path, no matter what, is
joyful effort.

11. Right mindfulness. Through prayer, meditation and action we will follow the
path of kindness, being mindful moment by moment.

12. Right concentration. Open to the spirit of awakening as a result of these steps,
we will carry this message to all people suffering with addictions.

We move from reliance on external authority to an internal center of resonance & wisdom based on observation, experimentation, and experience.
We bring fascination, curiosity, and interest to all aspects of our lives & to relationships. We are comfortable with differences, and are able to reflect on our own feelings, thoughts, and emotional reactions.
We take personal responsibility for our internal experience - we realize we create our own feelings of anger, contempt, and judgments with our demands that situations & people be different than they are. We cease blaming or making up excuses & reasons for our problems.
We see situations & people as they truly are & make our decisions based on current reality, not our hopes that people will change.
We become increasingly able to attune & resonate with our internal world - including our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. This ability to go deeply within ourselves decreases our need for either disassociation or external stimulation to relieve emptiness & boredom.
We realize that we are not our "minds," we are not all the teachings that have been put there. We exist beyond these teaching as essence.
We develop the will to do the things we know will help us feel stronger, healthier, more alive, and connected to others.
We develop the ability to self-soothe & calm ourselves when we are alone or with other people.
Our living becomes more congruent with our beliefs.
Our relationships become more authentic, trusting, open, and valued.
We are able to give & receive care, friendship, and support.
We accept the ever-changing nature of all life. The challenge of empowerment.

And I also like the Native medicine wheel way. That really puts it into perspective! I think that having these substance abuse problems actually enhanced my life.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

One Show At A Time Tribe

2005-12-27T04:59:58Z

I am Jerry, sober over 3.5 yrs and smoke free about 8 months, yeeha! I am also the AZ wharf rat rep. Check out the One Show At A Time tribe!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Any members in Tucson?

2005-07-24T16:23:19Z

Olah! Friends of Dr. B,
any of you in Tucson that could suggest some meetings?
Planning a visit this month and would like to connect ahead of time with Members
peace
dk

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

To let go

2005-07-17T18:34:33Z

To "let go" does not mean to stop caring. It means I can't do it for someone else.

To "let go" is not to cut myself off. It's the realization that I can't control another.

To "let go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands.

To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another. It's to make the most of myself.

To "let go" is not to take care of, but to care about.

To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To "let go" is not to be in the middle, arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies.

To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept.

To "let go" is not to nag, scold, or argue, but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

To "let go" is not to adjust everything to my desires, but to take each day as it comes and cherish myself in it.

To "let go" is not to regret the past, but to grow and live for the future.

To "let go" is to fear less and to love more.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

non-denominational ? chanting ? hand-holding?

2005-07-13T19:23:11Z

Shalom All ! . . . just ran this topic up the "Friends of Bill W" tribe . . . interested to know what goes on where you'all are . . . Preamble says "non-denominational" ..... around here meeting opens with "Serenity Prayer" and ends with "Lord's Prayer" . . . unless i'm missing something, these are Christian prayers . . . also . . . folks hold hands in a circle during the "non-denominational prayer" at the end . . . and do this curious "chanting" thing . . . : "keep coming back" or "it works if you work it", etc, et. al. . . . this drunk usually goes along with the majority view . . . and has been for a while now . . . but boy does my home group get hot whan i ask about the Christian Prayer thing !!!! . . . my HP is my biz as your's is your biz . . . that's the beauty of AA . . . i end meetings i lead/chair with" a moment of silence" . period. no prayer. no hand holding. no chanting. what do 'ya think? peace
dk

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

TOMORROW - Sat June 25, 2005

2005-06-24T23:11:41Z

SCAC Last Chance Picnic

This is the last event to help raise funds and/or scholarship money for the Southern CA Alateen Conference (SCAC).

$5 will get you a hamburger (or veggie burger), chips and a soda.
Bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

Wardlow Park:
3457 Stanbridge Ave.
Long Beach CA 90808

The park is located between CLARK and BELLFLOWER off of WARDLOW.
South of LBCC and Vets Stadium.

Please come out and show your support for Alateen!!

LuvInSvc,

Cheryl R
Long Beach

NOTE: SCAC is held each July at the Univ of Redlands. It's put on BY Alateens FOR Alateens for the past 35+ years ... some 400 kids attend and a good time is had by all.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Long Beach Family Afterward Meeting

2005-06-23T23:02:38Z

THIS WEEK (Wednesday June 22):

Ajit S. will be speaking for Al-Anon and Bydea for Alcoholics Anonymous.

The format for this meeting is a 20-minute speaker from each program followed by open participation. Child care and refreshments are also available.

WHAT:
Family Afterward Speaker Meeting
Wednesdays
6:30pm to 8:00pm

WHERE:
Immanuel Community Church
3215 E 3rd St (at Obispo)
Long Beach CA 90814

Feel free to pass this message on to others! We hope to see you there and please bring a friend (or two, or three, or four).

Love in service,

Cheryl R
Long Beach CA

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

na one interested in the just for today tribe?

2005-06-10T07:14:49Z

hi all.....just wanted to let you know that i am trying to start a tribe for those interested in recovery based on the 12 steps and traditions of NA.....
yay...for all in recovery whatever fellowship you make your home in.....
blessings on all those trying to live the steps in their lives today....thanks for letting me share.....

this is the link up....

http://oregon.tribe.net/tribe/29d02949-2824-49ef-bd73-1778c74ea0df?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B29d02949-2824-49ef-bd73-1778c74ea0df%5D&r=10377

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Intro & Info

2005-06-04T04:35:22Z

Hi, family! My name is Chris O., or fugi- whichever you prefer. I am a gratefully recovering alcoholic living life on life's terms via that incredible daily reprive since June 11, 1995. Discovered this cool cyber universe, Tribe, a few days ago and had to join. Wow- there's soooo much here!!!

Anyway, I posted the service listing for the 12-Step Recovery IM Cooperative (RIMC) on 3 fellowship specific Tribes yesterday. I've gotten a few messages asking what it's all about. This vital iniative is available for ALL recognized 12-Step fellowships. Not wishing to squash the 1st Tradition here, those who are interested are kindly asked to take a look around, bearing in mind that the primary emphasis is on being of service to those in need of immediate support.

This project/site is still in its fledgling stages, having been created just this past December 27th. It's already making a positive difference, both for those looking for help, and our volunteers. Even many non-alcoholics are extremely supportive of this endeavor and have offered to provide various services to promote its growth.

The RIMC is neither endorsed nor opposed by any 12-Step fellowships. It is a privately operated project, therefore there are far more resources available for use without violating certain traditions.

Thanks in advance for taking a few minutes to visit. There is a means of contact on the site, so your questions and feedback are much appreciated.

http://www.geocities.com/recovery_im_united/index.html

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Cancun OR Arizona A.A.

2005-04-05T16:10:04Z

I may be in either of the top 2 locations for Passover and was wondering how easy it would be for me to get to meetings... or if there is anyone who is a member of this tribe who is from either of these places... I know Arizona is a big state, I justdon't know exactly where I'll be...
Orange HP

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

New Tribe: Friends of Lois W.

2005-02-22T15:41:51Z

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know I started a new Tribe:

AlanonFamilyGroups.tribe.net

For those interested in Al-Anon, the Al-Anon program, and in recovery for families and friends of Alcoholics/Addicts in general.

"Al-Anon has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps ourselves, by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics, and by giving understanding and encouragement to the alcoholic."

Check it out!

Regards,

CherylR
Long Beach

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Dog lovers UNITE!!!!

2005-02-19T19:14:26Z

come check out a new tribe

DogTownandPets.tribe.net.com

hope to see you there
~a friend of Bills and a dog lover

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

NAPYPAA Movie Night - John A. / Potluck / 28 Days - Sunday 7pm

2005-02-12T10:18:04Z

Sunday 2/13 7pm at the Napa Valley Alano Club
Speaker Meeting, potluck dinner and the movie is '28 Days' on the big screen projector. 'Big John' (John A. from Sonoma) is the speaker.
NVAC is at 1115 Jordan Lane in Napa 707-252-1421

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Connect to the Life Force

2005-01-29T10:24:24Z

Connect with the life force

"The spirit down here in man and the spirit up there in the sun, in reality are only one spirit, and there is no other one."

-- The Upanishads

We regard our lives as made up of an infinite number of separate bits and pieces. That is how our senses perceive our universe.

But science has now affirmed what the sages always knew. The life force is the foundation of all, unseen and untouched though it may be. It flows through everyone and everything. It is impossible to exist separate and apart from the source of all creation.

"Everything you see has its roots in the unseen world.
The forms may change, yet the essence remains the same.
Every wonderful sight will vanish; every sweet word will fade,
But do not be disheartened,
The source they come from is eternal, growing,
Branching out, giving new life and new joy.
Why do you weep?
The source is within you
And this whole world is springing up from it."

-- Jelaluddin Rumi
May the "Force" be with you.
Love and blessings,
Jim

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

RENO AREA New online support community group!

2005-01-26T06:22:46Z

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/RenoAnonymous/join
Additional online support for those in the Reno and surrounding areas. Connecting the community to find sober activity partners in the local Reno area who like to go out and have fun in not only Anonymous affliate sponsored events but non-sponsored events as well. Thanks!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

St. Augustine Fellowship

2004-12-25T10:51:33Z

Anyone here also working a Sex addiction program? I've been arugueing with someone on a tribe that is supposed to be for recoverying sex addicts but seems to be full of people who are clueless about what sex addiction is really like. I'm thinking of leaving that tribe and creating a new one using the subject line of this post. St. Augustine's name is used by the SLAA folks the same way Dr Bob's name is used here. St. Augustine was sort of a slut in his youth, and used his old age to create the message of Original sin. Which BTW was taught by Jews and Christians only as a "side dish" to the idea of Original Blessing (read the book of that title by Mathew Fox) it was St. Augustiine who made it central to Christianity as we know it today.

So, any sex addicts here interested in a new 12-step tribe?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Happy Holiday’s

2004-12-25T09:07:59Z

Just wanted to wish everyone a safe and sober Holiday!
Please take a moment to remember our brothers and sisters that are no longer with us in body, that have been taken by this disease… We will not forget you!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

meetings and sober parties in SF?

2004-10-26T08:51:18Z

Hi,
I am coming down rom the 27 until nov 1 and I would like to find out about some good meetings and if there are any sober parties going on. My plans fell through and now I'm going to be there all alone, so I'd appreciate the advice and party tips.
Thanks,
Ondine
ps you can private email me if you want

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 7 replies

meetings and sober parties in SF?

2004-10-13T17:26:47Z

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Room to rent - granny flat

2004-09-09T16:52:26Z

Hi everyone...I have been staying with my daughter and her 3 kids and I am looking for a granny flat or big room to rent in the Carlsbad Ca area. (soon) Any ideas?? Thanks ..(Sober 18 years)

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

FYI---Spirit of SF 12th Annual Convention

2004-09-03T11:02:03Z

is Labor Day weekend, September 3rd to 5th, 2004, at Ramada Plaza Hotel 1231 Market St @8th St., San Francisco

www.spirit-sf.org/convention.html

AA Convention with Al-Anon Participation

There will be workshops*marathon meetings*service panels*AA speaker meetings*Friday night entertainment*Sat night dance

register before this Friday, August 6 and receive $5 off!
registration $25
early bird discount before Aug 6, -5
Total registration before Aug 6, $20

Banquet dinner (optional) $35

online registration is easy!
www.spirit-sf.org/registeronline.html

or download flyer:
www.spirit-sf.org/2004spiritflyer.pdf

convenient public and BART transportation around SF, to and from SF and Oakland airports

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Returning home to San Diego

2004-08-22T20:07:19Z

Look forward to seeing everyone there and taking my 3rd year c/s.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

tape i made

2004-08-22T08:41:27Z

listening to tape I made of me and some friends as dr bob's grave, part of the sunday morning procession at founders day a few years ago. motorcycles, etc. great talk about bill and bob's wives and how grateful they were to their wives.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

New to the Tribe

2004-08-13T00:20:18Z

Just thought I would drop a line to the group to say hey and introduce myself.
Sober since March 30th, 1993.
Peace,
Quinn

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Very Profound Message

2004-08-12T08:44:56Z

Our problems, both those we experience externally such as wars, crime and violence and those we experience internally as emotional and psychological suffering will not be solved until we address this underlying neglect of our inner dimension. That is why the great movements of the last hundred years and more--democracy, liberalism, socialism, and Communism--have all failed to deliver the universal benefits they were supposed to provide, despite many wonderful ideas. A revolution is called for, certainly, but not a political, an economic, or a technical revolution. We have had enough experience of these during the past century to know that a purely external approach will not suffice. What I propose is a spiritual revolution.

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Happy Joyous and Free

2004-08-10T08:38:53Z

Getting sober was only the beginning of my sacred journey.
The next step was to get rid of my alcoholic personality.
Yes, working the steps was a big step. But I think the real
life defining moment was when I realized what I really wanted was to truly be happy, joyous and free.

Whether it is addiction problems or just life challenges, I recommend four steps to my clients:

1. Define what you want
2. What are you willing to give up to get what you want.
What are you willing to change, modify and amend to get
what you want.
3. Create a well defined plan of action, preferably with a coach
counselor or mentor to guide you to your manifestation.
4. DO IT NOW! LET'S GO!

It seems #4 is the most difficult. So many people procrastinate in doing their personal work. I certainly did in the beginning.

It is so easy to become task oriented when we work with newcomers. We give a barrel of advice and tasks to accomplish.
Yet, we many times forget to impart the REAL reason to be clean and sober.....to truly be happy, joyous and free.

If I stubbornly hold onto my alcoholic personality, my level of happiness and freedom will be very low. I have been clean and sober for 31 years. And it was in about my 8th year of sobriety that I awakened to all the dream stealers I stubbornly held onto in my life.

It is a pure joy to see people with very short term sobriety grasping the concept of happiness and freedom. Once they see this as their super-objective, working the steps, spiritual growth and reaching out to others comes more easily and there is a deeper sense of the importance of what one needs to do.

Another one that sped my journey to freedom was.....what the heck am I doing between meetings.
Love peace and blessings,
Jim Wilhite

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

open versus closed

2004-08-05T22:21:01Z

Hey folks. I've only recently realized that people who are not a part of a tribe can still see all the listings and threads of a conversation, even if they aren't members of that tribe. So now I feel like I'm at an open meeting with people who are complete strangers, who can come in and hear my shares. How do people here feel about open meetings as opposed to closed ones?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 6 replies

sobriety countdown

2004-07-31T21:07:45Z

nom: jimmy
loc: burbank california
sob: 7.7.83

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 83 replies

anybody drinking

2004-06-22T04:32:05Z

Is anyone in the tribe currently drink and would like to share, come out of da closet. Like tell on them selves to get the help and support needed?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 25 replies

Daily Inspiration

2004-06-19T08:18:02Z

I send out a free Daily Inspirational Message. If you would like to receive it, email me at James3322@aol.com.

Starting our day with some positive inspiration is one small step to being happy, joyous and free.

Wishing all of you a celebration of life and love every day.
Blessings,
Jim

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Greetings from a new tribe member

2004-06-06T01:05:18Z

I am honored to be a part of this tribe. I have been clean and sober 31 years.
May all of you be happy, joyous and free. May we all celebrate life and love every day.
Looking forward to getting to know all of you.
Blessings,
Jim

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

sobriety rocks

2004-05-30T18:37:16Z

i just want to say that being sober is fucking great. i love it that i can go out and have a good time (dancing tonight) and i can be totally present for it. just wanted to share that.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 9 replies

Meeting attendance challenge

2004-05-14T15:35:45Z

remember the golden days of 90 in 90...

I challenge you chaps to 30 in 30, any takers???

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 17 replies

meditations

2004-05-14T14:57:32Z

IT'S OKAY TO BE ME

Time after time newcomers have tried to keep to themselves certain facts about their lives. . . . they have turned to easier methods. . . . But they had not learned enough humility. . . .
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 72-73

Humility sounds so much like humiliation, but it really is the ability to look at myself -- and honestly accept what I find. I no longer need to be the "smartest" or "dumbest" or any other "est." Finally, it is okay to be me. It is easier for me to accept myself if I share my whole life.
If I cannot share in meetings, then I had better have a sponsor -- someone with whom I can share those "certain facts" that could lead me back to a drunk, to death. I need to take all the Steps. I need the Fifth Step to learn true humility. Easier methods do not work.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Birthday 5/6

2004-05-08T20:09:42Z

Hey all,
Just wanted to say it's a freakin' miracle I haven't had a drink or drug in 6 years.
5/6/98 **blowing out candles**
The solid foundation I received from the 12 steps in AA has allowed me to live a full and joyous life.
What's going on for me right now in this moment, is I'm feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for being a sober woman.
Thank you AA.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 7 replies

The Secret Tribe

2004-05-07T00:49:54Z

The Secret Tribe is a private tribe for 12 steppers. If you haven't been invited to or told about the secret tribe yet, contact me directly. I'll be happy to invite you.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

your favorite step

2004-05-02T03:23:52Z

what's your favorite step and why?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 13 replies

Dr. Bob's Son Passes Away

2004-04-23T23:20:31Z

LAST EYEWITNESS OF AA’S ORIGINS DIES IN MEMPHIS

(Memphis, Tenn. April 22, 2004) Robert “Bob” Smith II, last eyewitness of the start of Alcoholics Anonymous, died of congestive heart failure at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. about 5 o’clock Thursday evening, April 22, 2004. “Smitty,” his nickname in youth and later at recovery gatherings worldwide, was the only son of Anne Smith and Akron, Ohio physician Dr. Bob Smith. Then a teenager, young Bob was there on Mother’s day 1935 when his father met New York stockbroker Bill Wilson for the first time. The two co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous, a twelve step recovery program that has helped more than two million people worldwide recover from the disease of alcoholism. AA’s twelve step program has been replicated by more than 250 other groups that use the same steps to overcome addictions to drugs, gambling, food, sex and other behaviors. Bob Smith joined Al-Anon, a recovery program for the spouses, family, friends and other loved ones of alcoholics, when one of his family members began attending AA meetings in Nocona, Texas in the late 1970s. It was only then, the younger Smith would say, that he realized the enormity of his father’s contribution to the world in the co-founding of AA. In the past 27 years, Bob Smith accepted invitations to speak at AA and Al-Anon Conventions worldwide thirty to forty times a year. Smith made his last talk three weeks ago in Chicago’s Indiana suburbs at the Talumet Round-Up. He had cut back on his speaking engagements to twenty to twenty-five a year only as he entered his mid-80s. Smith would say of such invitations, “they didn’t invite me for who I am. It’s who I know,” referring to the famous co-founders of AA who are regarded as spiritual giants by recovering alcoholics worldwide. Bob Smith would share his memories of AA’s pioneering days at conferences, recalling how his parents and Bill Wilson allowed recovering drunks to stay in their Akron home at 855 Ardmore Avenue. Bob Smith’s childhood home is visited annually by thousands who wish to see where the program of recovery had its origins. “It was such a gift to live with Bob. We decided if we had two weeks together or ten years together, we’d take it one day at a time and that’s what we did, “ said Mona Sides-Smith, a Memphis based therapist, who married the son of the AA co-founder in September 2002. Smith’s first wife of more than fifty years, Betty Smith, died several years earlier. Bob Smith leaves a son from huis marriage to Betty, Todd Smith of Vernon, Texas and two daughters, Penny Umbertino of Phoenix, Arizona and Judy Edmiston of Dallas, Texas. He leaves one granddaughter, Kathy Graser of Denver, Colorado. Smith also leave three stepdaughters: Rachel Farmer, Elaine Orland and Elizabeth Douglas,all of Memphis. Smith spent his working life in Texas as an oli producer. He served as a pilot in World War II, flying the B-24 Liberator on 35 submarine huntinf missions out of Africa. Smith worked as a commercial pilot for a time after the war. But he spent the last three decades of his life focused on sharing the gift his father helped bring into the world, AA. In his book CHILDREN OF THE HEALER (Copyright 1992, Parkside Publishing Company), co-authored with his late sister, Sue Smith Windows, Smith’s thoughts written on the dedication page seem a fitting epitaph, “For the loving God who allowed me to lead a very exciting life and also loved me through my many mistakes and who allows me to be of service. For the constant love and understanding of four* good kids and a steadfast wife. I am truly grateful. For my loving parents who tried to instill in me values by their tireless example. For the many friends I have met and know as a result of 12 step programs. You have taught me a way of life in these programs that I never would have figured out by myself. I am truly grateful.” One AA member said upon learning of Smitty’s death in Memphis, “many thousands of AAs who met Smitty and heard him tell the eyewitness account of AA’s origins will mourn his passing but will celebrate his life and the great gifts he shared.” Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar Avenue in Memphis, Tenn. has charge.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Does anyone know about Dr. Bob's tattoo's?

2004-04-22T10:04:41Z

I was reading in Dr. Bob and the oldtimers. There is a small mention of his tatt's on his chest and arms. Has anyone see pictures or know anything about them?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

relapse

2004-04-10T18:59:09Z

it is real, it happens, and it makes us so ashamed that we(i speak in terms of me)tend to isolate and distance those that could help us the best......any thoughts on the matter peoples?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 4 replies

So

2004-03-08T16:35:42Z

How many of you friends are in the North bay area of California?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Jesus and Tequilla

2004-03-04T02:35:14Z

I'm sober 8 years, have been on the pity-potty lately, so I went out and got myself a newcomer tonight so's I can preach The Good Word Of The Twelve Steps Of The Big Book Of Alcoholics Anonymous. Can I get a hallelujah? Can I get an Amen? JEEEEsus may save but The Steps cleanse souls like 3 chords at a Minutemen concert. CAN I GET AN AMEN!!!!

At 8+ years sober I go to meetings, have a book study, work the steps, sponsor guys, have commitments, write inventory, call my sponsor, etc etc etc, and the only thing that gets me out of a depression seems to be finding the dumbess-assed most clueless newcomer in the room and working with him 'til he's either ready to drink, or balking on his amends.

How do you guys snap out of a funk?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 13 replies

happy anniversary

2004-03-02T02:20:55Z

Hay all, a hearty thanks,
Today is my 19th sober birthday...I could not wait it seems to get to this day. I have projected for months.
Guess what its another day, i must get another day!

I remember weeks leading up to that faithful day in 1985. Hell was brewing over that falls, scapes, drinking, drugs, strange events, snow storms, I was truly sick and tired of being sick and tired!

I called a hospital and was told a bed date and puff, away i go. IGod has not allowed me to break the cycle with a drink in 19 years a day at a time! WOW
This tribe has been instrumental as well.! thanks your friend Bob

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 10 replies

anger/resentment

2004-03-01T04:56:03Z

I have suffered the biggest loss since being sober about 3 weeks ago .I have been sober for 7 years and I am no stranger to the big book a sponsor or the steps.

over the course of these 3 weeks I have built a resentment that will just not go away I am fully understanding what the big book means about our resentments dominating us.I keep reading the 4th step prayer were it talks about the people who have wronged us being sick I have read it least 20 times tonight Funny thing is my head belvies everyword the book tells me but the rest of me wants revenge.Over the past 7 years
I had thought I got a little better on these issues but I am seeing how wrong I am with this one anyhow.

I have all of my AA knowlage in my head but it just doesnt seem to be making it any where else.This is a real scary place for me .

My sponsor told me to do the pray for two weeks and so on
which i have done and not meaning one word of my prayers for this person .tonight after laying down for bed the insane thoughts of revenge came back. so I wrote this person who wronged me a nice email then sent the email to my sponsor insted of them.i am sure my phone will be ringing as soon as he reads it.

I am pretty sure someone here has gone through this type of
stuff before any experiance you can share will be more than welcome.this really hurts and I didnt get sober to feel like this.

post

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 4 replies

Anonimity

2004-02-26T08:25:35Z

If anyone cares I have a Tribe called Anonimity that could use some support (more like a clue). All my love.

Nils

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Sober Party Sunday

2004-02-21T09:50:47Z

The Party is at World on Wheels this Sunday Feb. 22nd, 2004.

For those who went last year, its the same deal...
9pm - 9:30 its $4.00 w/ skates
9:30pm - 1am its $8.00 w/ skates

4645 1/2 Venice Blvd. @ San Vicente...

Soome of the people celebrating: Courage for 2 years, Paul for 2 years, Ariana for 4 years, Strawberry for 4 years, Stacy for 5 years, Matt for 6years and Janelle for 7 years. Come out and roller skate and have some sober fun...

Much love,
Strawberry

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Hi! I'm new

2004-02-20T08:41:47Z

Hi, newbie here! I'm glad I found this tribe. A friend of Bill's must be a friend of Bob's! I'm a program person clean off drugs and alcohol. Nothing like breaking anonymity to 100,000,000 tribal folks, eh?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 9 replies

sober seattlites???

2004-02-19T21:17:24Z

pipe up, i need more friends that are clean.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 3 replies

Vegas Meetings

2004-02-13T18:29:01Z

I'll be in Vegas Sunday through Wednesday. Any meeting recommendations for Sun or Tues night? I'll have a car.

-Drew

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

10 years

2004-02-08T18:09:44Z

1 Feb I get 10 years, who would have thought!
Tony G

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 14 replies

Leather AA in LA?

2004-01-30T03:18:03Z

Hey All - a friend of mine in LA is looking for any Leather AA groups, Gay or Mixed. There used to be one in Eagle Rock on Friday nights years ago but I think it moved to the AT Center but I am not sure. Anyone know of any?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Happy birthday to me!

2004-01-13T04:16:13Z

I am 2 today!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 6 replies

Merry Christmas

2003-12-30T15:05:00Z

Uptight before Christmas, all through these rooms
alcoholics were stricken with holiday gloom.
They prayed, "Santa, please make us happy, joyous and free,
bring us candy and presents and serenity."

Greed filled their minds and envy their hearts
and someone said, "It's time
for the meeting to start!"
"Does anyone have a topic to discuss tonight?"

Every face in the place turned wintery white!
They lost all self-seeking, self-pity, self-will
when down through the chimney
came the ghost of St. Bill!

Then he looked through a Big Book
and said with a tear,
"Wow! No one rewrote this
after all these years! "

Clean house, help your neighbor,
be loving and kind,
and don't take the first drink
one day at a time."

"How could a message
as simple as this
be realized, analyzed and
intellectually dismissed?"

There lies the reason
this ghost has arrived:
to re-give a gift
that has saved all your lives!

The ghost of Bill W. said,
"The first word of the first step is 'we'.
I suggest you start there and see where you go.
Be thorough and fearless, and please-take it slow!

Let faith set the tone,
let love make the mood.
And as for a topic...
how about gratitude?

Just don't drink, go to meetings and pray
and be glad you're alive and sober today.
Be a good woman, be a good man
and be of service whenever you can.

Be a good mother, be a good dad
try to be good to your kids when they're bad.
Be a good husband, be a good wife...
Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good life!"

--Author Unknown

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

Bob on Anonymity

2003-12-27T16:18:55Z

Dr. Bob on Tradition Eleven

"We need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio
and films."

Dr. Bob, co-founder of AA, commented on Tradition Eleven as follows:

"Since our Tradition on anonymity designates the exact level where the line should be held, it must be obvious to everyone who can read and understand the English language that to maintain anonymity at any other level is definitely a violation of this Tradition.

"The AA who hides his identity from his fellow AA by using only a given name violates the Tradition just as much as the AA who permits his name to appear in the press in connection with matters pertaining to AA.

"The former is maintaining his anonymity ABOVE the level of press, radio, and films, and the latter is maintaining his anonymity BELOW the level of press, radio, and films - whereas the Tradition states that we should maintain our anonymity AT the level of press, radio, and films."

Reprinted from the February 1969 Grapevine

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

A sober New Year's with SACYPAA and ACYPAA?

2003-12-13T01:15:58Z

Speaker meeting and New Year's Bash.

Speaker starts at 8pm
Dance will follow.

$10 suggested donation to enter Dance.

Eastern Star Temple
Downtown Sacramento
A lot of sober folk and even more sober fun.

If you want a flyer to help outreach let me know.
Send e-mail and I will send a flyer.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

2 - WooHooo!

2003-12-12T08:04:20Z

Holy cow! I have 2 years today, that's fucking crazy!!! Thank you God! thankyou thankyou thankyou!!!!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Hey Orange County AA

2003-12-07T05:50:02Z

Hey guys,

Im trying to hook up a newcomer with some contacts in Orange County. He's getting out of treatment on Wed. and doesn't want to go back to OC without being connected. So im putting it out there. If you are willing to be of service and help show around a newbee please email me with your contact info. His name is Bobby and he's 22. Thanks!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

hey everyone :-)

2003-12-05T19:09:15Z

hey everyone! my names Kim and i'm an alcoholic. I actually just came back in after two years of complete insanity (aka drinking). it feels great to be back, and any help/advice would be much appreciated. well i hope all is well with everyone!
love - kim -

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 7 replies

hey we are all starting a non area specific YPAA tribe

2003-12-05T06:53:02Z

tribeypaa

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

WACYPAA 7

2003-12-04T22:47:30Z

thats right ladies and germs... this thanksgiving weekend in beautifull san diego is the 7th annual Western Area Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymos..... anybody whos anybody will be there.... seriously though... this is gonna be the conference to end all conferences... we got some major shit planned... from live bands to 24 HOUR scavanger hunts...... a huge hospitality room.... thanksgiving dinner on thursday at 2 pm for those who dont have family to spend it with... 10 bucks a plate... a barbeque on saturday.. dogs for a buck, burgers for $2 and boca burgers for you vegan wierdos...... DC is one of our main speakers (scary right?) and just overall good times... come support the YPAA movement and reprazent your area... hope to see ya all there!!!!

WACY WACY WACY!!!!!

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 4 replies

29th Annual SFV AA Convention

2003-11-18T01:40:08Z

At the Hilton Burbank Airport & Convention Center
www.sfvaaconvention.com
818.734.0383
Golf, Dancing, Meetings, food, spirituality, AA, Al-anon, Alateen

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

WACYPAA 7

2003-11-16T11:32:32Z

We're only 15 days away from the 7th Western Area Conference for Young People in AA! Come join us Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego, CA...We'll have tons of meetings, fun, and fellowship! That includes Al-anon, Al-teen, Native American, Gay/Lesbian, and Spanish meetings; bands, bouncy boxing, big book trivia, and much more...We're also having a General Service workshop with a few of our members from the office in NYC, including the editor of the grapevine!
Check it out...
www.wacypaa.org

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 1 reply

favorite part of the book?

2003-11-15T23:26:24Z

Mine is in the beginning of We Agnostics "If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how much we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philisophically comforted, in fact we could will these things with all our might , but the needed power wasn't there. Our human resources, as marshalled by the will, were not sufficient; they failed utterly."
I love that part (It's so me) - what's your favorite?

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 6 replies

Speaker "tape" site

2003-11-10T21:04:13Z

http://www.xa-speakers.org

has a pretty good collection of speaker "tapes" for your FREE download or listening pleasure.

pass it on.

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 0 replies

Daily Reflection 10/31

2003-11-04T04:54:38Z

All history affords us the spectacle of striving nations and groups finally torn asunder because they were designed for, or tempted into, controversy. Others fell apart because of sheer self-righteousness while tryingto enforce upon the rest of mankind some millennium of their own specification.
--12/12 p. 176

posted in Friends of Doctor Bob - 2 replies

Friends of Doctor Bob's topics - tribe.net

In the rooms, need a room

Critical Thoughts

Anybody want to share tonight?

TRUTH IS FREE; so is my RETREAT --Vermont

Burning Sober and having fun!

Hi, I'm Dan, I'm new to tribes.net, and I'm looking to make sober tribes.net friends in sobriety

Official US Olympic Supplement -contains 60+ Key Antioxidants for overall long-term health

hey i'm looking to do something for NYE

It's my birthday

Thingss I learned as a newcomer - by way of an introduction

Hi folks its me David and I drifted away for awhile to work the program i have one year as of sunday !!!!!

Is this appropriate action?

Hello

Question about Dr. Bob

Dr. Silkworth Birthday Celebration......

Hi there my name is david i am very new to this any pointers or tips on what to do

clean and sober camp out

heal in Vermont www.baldmountainretreat.com

Relationships Gone Wild

call for readers

valentine to an old romantic fool

90 days today!

Does anyone visit this tribe?

Buddhist help to help yourself...

One Show At A Time Tribe

Any members in Tucson?

To let go

non-denominational ? chanting ? hand-holding?

TOMORROW - Sat June 25, 2005

Long Beach Family Afterward Meeting

na one interested in the just for today tribe?

Intro & Info

Cancun OR Arizona A.A.

New Tribe: Friends of Lois W.

Dog lovers UNITE!!!!

NAPYPAA Movie Night - John A. / Potluck / 28 Days - Sunday 7pm

Connect to the Life Force

RENO AREA *New online support community group!*

St. Augustine Fellowship

Happy Holiday’s

meetings and sober parties in SF?

meetings and sober parties in SF?

Room to rent - granny flat

FYI---Spirit of SF 12th Annual Convention

Returning home to San Diego

tape i made

New to the Tribe

Very Profound Message

Happy Joyous and Free

open versus closed

sobriety countdown

anybody drinking

Daily Inspiration

Greetings from a new tribe member

sobriety rocks

Meeting attendance challenge

meditations

Birthday 5/6

The Secret Tribe

your favorite step

Dr. Bob's Son Passes Away

Does anyone know about Dr. Bob's tattoo's?

relapse

So

Jesus and Tequilla

happy anniversary

anger/resentment

Anonimity

Sober Party Sunday

Hi! I'm new

sober seattlites???

Vegas Meetings

10 years

Leather AA in LA?

Happy birthday to me!

Merry Christmas

Bob on Anonymity

A sober New Year's with SACYPAA and ACYPAA?

2 - WooHooo!

RENO AREA New online support community group!