HANDLES AND HODGE PODGE
pamphlet from Cleveland District Office of
Alcoholics Anonymous
The biggest problem in the world could have solved when it was small.
page 3, bottom of page
Isn't it much easier to stay sober than to get sober.
page 6, bottom of page
Time wasted in getting even can never be used in getting ahead.
page 14, bottom of page
The first nine Steps are just a sprint. The last three are the long distance run.
page 18, top of page
The best preparation for tomorrow is to make good use of today.
page 20, top of page
The best way to multiply happiness is to divide it.
page 23, bottom of page
I went out to find a friend
But could not find one anywhere.
I went out to be a friend
And found friends everywhere.
page 24, bottom of page
SURPRISE
Once upon a time a wealthy man desired to build a new home. His son was a contractor so the father went to him and said, "Son, I want this house built according to this plan and of the best materials. I'll not question you as to the price. Just be sure that you build it well."
The son thought, "Dad isn't going to live much longer and any house I build or any material I use won't make a difference. I just won't use the best lumber or brick but I will charge just the same as if I had used them.
The son built the new home and the day came when he was to hand the keys over to his father. The home was indeed beautiful to the mother and father but the son knew that underneath this exterior there were inferior materials. His conscience began to bother him.
He consoled himself with the idea that when his parents died he would get the money anyway so what difference did it make.
The big moment arrived and the son handed the keys to his father. Much to his surprise the father handed the keys back and said, "Son, we planned this as a surprise to you. You didn't build this home for us----
MOTHER AND I ARE GIVING IT TO YOU."
page 25, paragraphs 1-6
In order to find out what lies ahead ask someone coming back.
page 27, bottom of page
He who offers criticism should also offer a solution.
page 29, top of page
Instead of an A.A. become an A.A.R.A.----
AN ACTIVE RECOVERED ALCOHOLIC
page 29, paragraph 5
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see.
I sought my God, but my God eluded me.
I sought my brother, and I found all three.
page 30, bottom of page
EXTRACTS FROM
HANDLES FOR SOBRIETY
pamphlet from Cleveland District Office of
Alcoholics Anonymous
A journey of a thousand miles beings with the first step.
page 2, bottom of page
When a man tries to control his drinking he as already lost control.
page 3, top of page
If you have 4 problems and get drunk, you have 5.
page 4, bottom of page
We can act ourselves into right thinking easier then we can think ourselves into right acting.
page 6, top of page
When your head begins to swell your mind stops growing.
page 9, bottom of page
You have to be thinking about drinking before you actually do it.
page 11, bottom of page
The time to attend a meeting is when you least feel like going.
page 12, top of page
It is surprising what you can learn after you think you know it all.
page 13, bottom of page
Be a POWER OF EXAMPLE to others by your every day actions.
page 14, paragraph 9
You can see a miracle every night if you will but attend an A.A. meeting.
page 14, bottom of page
To know yourself is the beginning of wisdom.
page 15, bottom of page
HUMILITY is described in the dictionary as "The ability to see ourselves as we really are."
page 16, paragraph 2
The Steps are not twelve up to sobriety but twelve down to humility.
page 16, bottom of page
We must not look down on another person unless we are bending over to help.
page 17, paragraph 6
Largest room in the world--room for improvement.
page 18, bottom of page
I would rather see a sermon anytime then hear one.
page 19, bottom of page
Other people don't know what you are thinking.
YOU DO
Other people don't know how you behave away from meetings.
YOU DO
Other people don't know how you treat your fellow workers and neighbors.
YOU DO
page 20, paragraph 6
Happiness comes from inside you and one way to get happiness is to quit wanting and make yourself content with what you have.
page 21, bottom of page
In praying it does not matter what position you body is in as long as your mind in on its knees.
page 22, top of page
You never get a busy signal on God's telephone line. His office is open 24 hours a day.
page 22, bottom of page
Be as enthusiastic about A.A. as you were about drinking.
page 24, top of page
Work with the construction crew not the wrecking crew.
page 25, bottom of page
When God seems far away, think--who has moved.
page 26, bottom of page
You can find happiness if you will but seek and find how to serve.
page 31, bottom of page