Position of Neutrality

In this powerful testimony, Brian Reinhart opens up about his deep struggle with Step 1 of the 12-Step journey. He reflects on his childhood, filled with intense anxiety and trauma, never feeling comfortable in any space. His addiction became a coping mechanism for years, but like many who struggle, he eventually reached the point where the drugs and alcohol stopped working, leaving him in pure mi...

Join Joe McDonald as he discusses the importance of demonstrating faith through action in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe emphasizes that faith without works is dead, highlighting a powerful example: “What do you imagine it felt like? Anything but quiet, right? His action met widespread approval. Oh, he quietly got up and made an explanation. His action met widespread approval, and toda...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the impact of selfish and inconsiderate habits on relationships in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe delves into the turmoil these behaviors can cause within the home and how, often, we don’t realize the extent of the damage until we see it reflected back at us through others. Joe reflects, “Selfish and inconsiderate habits have kept the home in turmoil. W...

Join Joe McDonald as we explore the importance of faith in recovery, based on the experiences shared by the authors of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. This lesson dives deep into the thunderbolt moments—the sudden realizations that shook individuals to their core and brought about a profound change. These encounters with a power greater than ourselves challenge our beliefs, inviting us to re...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the essential role of willingness and divine power in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe emphasizes the importance of asking for the power to make amends, even when the task feels overwhelming. Joe shares, “It was one thing to look at it and tell somebody else. It’s a whole other thing to go out to someone I hate and tell them what I’ve done to them. Try...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the importance of patience and persistence in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe sheds light on the reality that making amends is not always met with immediate gratification, and sometimes, it takes time to rebuild trust. Joe shares, “What’s it mean when I’m not gratified? I wasn’t one of those, or I’m impatient and not waiting for the change to take place....

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the nuanced journey of making amends in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe highlights the importance of humility over heroics in the process of spiritual growth, especially when facing difficult decisions that impact others. Joe explains, “It would have been impressive heroics if he’d walked up to the judge and said, ‘Here I am.’ Now they’re warning us a...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the transformative power of forgiveness in Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe emphasizes the profound impact that offering genuine forgiveness can have on both the giver and the receiver, highlighting how the process of making amends benefits everyone involved. Joe explains, “So it’s harder to go to an enemy than to a friend, but we find it much more benefi...

oin Joe McDonald as we explore the profound shift from relying on external sources of control to discovering the divine power that flows within us. In this session, we dive into the power of willingness as the cornerstone for spiritual growth. The authors of the Big Book remind us that our own conception of a power greater than ourselves, no matter how inadequate, is enough to make the approach. T...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the importance of taking the lead in making amends, particularly during Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe emphasizes that a simple, remorseful apology isn’t enough—real, meaningful change requires sitting down with those we’ve harmed and honestly analyzing the past. Joe explains, “We must take the lead. A remorseful mumbling that we’re sorry won’t fill the...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the complexities of addressing jealousy and forgiveness during Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe unpacks the importance of using good sense and loving kindness when making amends, particularly when dealing with the powerful emotion of jealousy. Joe explains, “It may be that both will decide that the way of good sense and loving kindness is to let bygone...

Join Joe McDonald as he dives into the financial realities many face when entering recovery, particularly during Steps 8 and 9 of Alcoholics Anonymous. Joe shares insights on the common experience of discovering just how much money is owed once a thorough 4th Step inventory is completed. Joe addresses a key realization: “Most alcoholics owe money. Now, just by a show of hands, did anyone get to re...

Join Joe McDonald as he dives into the concept of ego and its role in hindering personal growth. In Step 3 of Alcoholics Anonymous, we are encouraged to set aside stubbornness, prejudice, and the idea that our human intelligence is the highest power. The authors of the Big Book invite us to open our hearts and minds to the possibility of a power greater than ourselves, even suggesting that we lay...

Join Joe McDonald as he delves into the challenging realities faced by those in recovery as they confront the wreckage left by their addiction. In this session, Joe reflects on the powerful metaphor of the alcoholic as a tornado, tearing through the lives of loved ones and causing significant harm. Joe addresses the common misconception that simply staying sober is enough to repair the damage. “Ce...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the transformative power of the 9th Step Promises in the journey of recovery. In this session, Joe delves into the promises often seen on walls in recovery spaces, clarifying that these are the 9th Step Promises—states of being that reflect a higher level of consciousness and spiritual identity. Joe invites you to reflect on these promises with fresh eyes: “If we’r...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the deeper implications of Steps 8 & 9. In this session, Joe discusses the importance of honesty and transparency, especially when disclosing past actions influenced by alcoholism. “How many of you thought you were slick? I’m pulling it off. I keep it on the down low. They don’t know that I do this. Nor are we...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the profound insights and experiences outlined in Steps 8 and 9. Reflecting on the essential nature of accountability in recovery, Joe discusses the process of making amends and seeking forgiveness. “What right did he have? None without their permission. So he’s going to have to go talk to the people that will be...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, diving into the profound insights and experiences outlined in Steps 8 and 9. Reflecting on the true essence of freedom in recovery, Joe discusses the deeper meaning behind the journey of sobriety. “The new freedom isn’t freedom from chemicals; it’s freedom from me. I said a prayer to a power I didn’t know and I’m coming to kn...

Join Joe McDonald as he explores the profound journey of discovering a power greater than ourselves. This lesson delves into the concept of lack of power and how we begin to form a relationship with a power that can solve our problems. Drawing from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, Joe helps us understand that the main objective of the steps is to lead us to a spiritual solution beyond our own...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing the importance of honesty and engagement with authentic recovery support in Steps 5, 6, and 7 AA. Joe highlights the significance of finding the right support to increase the chances of recovery success. “Small wonder many in the medical profession have a low opinion of alcoholics and their chance for recovery. We...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing the critical shift from trying to think our way into better acting to acting our way into better thinking in Steps 5, 6, and 7 AA. Joe explains the practical application of this approach in recovery. “Because of the way the book’s written, the instructions are in a chapter called ‘How It Works,’ and then when we st...

Join Joe McDonald as we explore Dr. Silkworth’s profound contributions to the Alcoholics Anonymous community. His belief in those struggling with addiction laid the foundation for understanding alcoholism as more than just a failure of willpower or a moral issue. Dr. Silkworth identified the abnormal physical reaction to alcohol, highlighting the need for a different approach to recovery. Dr. Silk...

Position of Neutrality is a study of the manner of living suggested by the founders of A.A. which was recorded in the book Alcoholics Anonymous. The story of how many thousands of men and women have recovered from alcoholism. Join us for more inspiring recovery stories and transformative insights. Check out our website at: www.positionofneutrality.org YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@positionofneu...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing the importance of advocating without condemnation in Steps 5, 6, and 7 AA. Joe emphasizes the need to support and advocate for each other, regardless of past actions. “So do not get on the condemnation game no matter what because that’s the wrong team. Every one of you probably had a little time where you had to go...

Join Joe McDonald as he reads from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, guiding us through the crucial process of personal inventory in Steps 5, 6, and 7 AA. Joe emphasizes the importance of identifying defects and understanding the underlying fears that drive our actions. “So it says we’ve admitted certain defects and we’ve ascertained in a rough way what the trouble is. We’ve put our finger on...