Concordance

The service structure beyond the local group: area work, the General Service Conference, the General Service Board, and Don’s years as a trustee-at-large.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 01:10:06 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 01:05:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 01:00:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 01:00:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage

Accepting reality, other people, and the limits of personal control as a condition of useful action.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 4 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:45:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:40:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:55:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:15:04 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s descriptions of the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of alcoholism and other drug addiction.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:00:08 · 12 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:00:00 · 11 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:00:04 · 9 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:00:03 · 9 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:00:02 · 13 indexed passages

The movement from feeling like a misfit or alien to finding a place among other people in recovery.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:00:08 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:05:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1996 · Alabama–Northwest Florida Al-Anon Convention 00:05:12 · 2 indexed passages
• 1997 · Columbus Spring Roundup 01:20:08 · 2 indexed passages

Repairing harm through direct action, changed conduct, and willingness to face the consequences of the past.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:25:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:55:02 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:45:07 · 2 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:50:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:50:03 · 1 indexed passage

The cost of grievance and rage, and the inventory practices Don used to become free enough to act differently.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:20:01 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:35:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:25:01 · 2 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:25:04 · 3 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:25:01 · 1 indexed passage

Anonymity as humility, equality, and a spiritual restraint on prestige inside and outside the fellowship.

• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 01:05:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 01:00:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1992 · Maryland State Convention 01:05:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1996 · Cedar Rapids, Iowa 01:05:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 4 01:05:01 · 1 indexed passage

Alcoholics Anonymous as a set of practical directions to study, test, and carry to another person.

• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:30:00 · 4 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:00:03 · 4 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:25:01 · 4 indexed passages
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:00:00 · 5 indexed passages
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:25:00 · 5 indexed passages

The closing vision of fellowship, service, and continuing together on the road of recovery.

• 1998 · Fall Conference 00:45:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 8 00:55:06 · 1 indexed passage

The personal-story passage on acceptance that Don returned to when discussing other people, reality, and useful action.

• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 00:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 2 00:05:07 · 1 indexed passage
• 1994 · Bayouland Jamboree 00:05:06 · 1 indexed passage

Bill Wilson’s collapse and recovery, including the spiritual turning point Don used to illuminate A.A.’s beginnings.

• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:50:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:25:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 00:40:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 2 01:00:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 2 00:25:01 · 1 indexed passage

Sobriety understood as contingent on the daily maintenance of spiritual condition rather than a one-time achievement.

• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 2 00:15:05 · 1 indexed passage

Reviewing fear as a force in conduct and asking for direction toward useful action.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:10:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:40:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:15:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 4 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:40:02 · 2 indexed passages

The First Step recognition that recovery begins with an inward admission of alcoholism.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:15:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:15:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:25:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:10:00 · 1 indexed passage

The Steps as directions for action, including self-will, decision, resentment, fear, and the beginning of inventory.

• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday afternoon 00:00:00 · 4 indexed passages
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 00:00:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 2 00:05:07 · 4 indexed passages
• 1995 · Unity by the Sea 00:45:04 · 1 indexed passage

Steps Five through Eleven in practice: admission, readiness, amends, daily inventory, prayer, and meditation.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:25:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:35:02 · 5 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:35:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:45:01 · 3 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:50:03 · 2 indexed passages

The alcoholic’s inability to reliably choose not to drink once the mental defense fails.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:05:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:25:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:20:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 00:45:02 · 1 indexed passage

The mental obsession, repeated return to drinking, and need to concede alcoholism at depth.

• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 00:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 3 00:45:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · Steps and Service Workshop · 1 01:05:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · Steps and Service Workshop · 2 01:05:07 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · Steps and Service Workshop · 3 00:20:01 · 1 indexed passage

The written inventory of people, institutions, and principles toward which resentment has been held.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 01:05:03 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:35:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:40:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:35:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:45:00 · 1 indexed passage

The appendix explaining that spiritual change may be sudden or gradual and is visible through altered response to life.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:30:04 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:30:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:35:10 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:15:03 · 2 indexed passages
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:45:03 · 2 indexed passages

The medical framing of alcoholism through bodily reaction, mental obsession, and the need for a solution beyond willpower.

• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:25:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Winnipeg Mid-Winter Conference 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday afternoon 00:10:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 00:30:03 · 2 indexed passages

Recovery’s effects on the household and the longer work of rebuilding family life after drinking stops.

• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 4 00:25:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 6 01:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · Steps and Service Workshop · 5 00:30:07 · 1 indexed passage

The changes expected as amends and spiritual practice replace isolation, regret, fear, and self-seeking.

• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:35:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Founders' Day 01:10:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Classic Opening of Thoughts 00:05:07 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 00:25:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:50:00 · 1 indexed passage

The transition from half measures to the decision and action described at the start of the Steps.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:50:07 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 2 00:20:14 · 1 indexed passage
• 1992 · Maryland State Convention 00:25:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1996 · Cedar Rapids, Iowa 00:05:15 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 4 01:00:03 · 1 indexed passage

The fellowship, the alcoholic’s loss of choice, and the common solution described in the second chapter.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:05:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:25:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:20:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 00:45:02 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s discussions of doubt, the God idea, and becoming willing to seek a power greater than oneself.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 01:00:03 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:35:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:45:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 00:25:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 2 00:05:07 · 2 indexed passages

The practical work of approaching another alcoholic, sharing experience, and carrying the message without coercion.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:35:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 01:05:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:00:04 · 4 indexed passages
• 1989 · Sponsorship, 1st Hiawatha Land Get-Together 00:35:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Classic Opening of Thoughts 00:20:00 · 2 indexed passages

Stories, quotations, and lessons Don drew from Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder Bill Wilson.

• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:50:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:25:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1992 · Maryland State Convention 01:05:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 2 01:00:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 4 00:40:00 · 1 indexed passage

An A.A. speaker and old-timer whose recordings Don preserved and cited as part of his recovery education.

• 1996 · Alabama–Northwest Florida Al-Anon Convention 00:40:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 2 00:40:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 3 00:50:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 5 00:05:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 2 00:55:02 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s prison sponsor and mentor, whose visible change made recovery credible and whose guidance shaped Don’s early practice.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:20:05 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:30:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:30:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:20:01 · 4 indexed passages
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:30:00 · 3 indexed passages

The Colorado prison experience where Don encountered A.A., a Twelve Step study school, and the men who taught him how to live.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:00:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:10:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:25:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:10:00 · 1 indexed passage

The psychiatrist Don discussed in connection with Rowland Hazard and the possibility of a transforming spiritual experience.

• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 01:10:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1994 · Bayouland Jamboree 00:10:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 1995 · Unity by the Sea 00:10:02 · 2 indexed passages
• 1996 · Cedar Rapids, Iowa 00:10:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1996 · Alabama–Northwest Florida Al-Anon Convention 00:10:02 · 1 indexed passage

Helping the next alcoholic as a daily practice and as the animating purpose of groups, service, and sponsorship.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:35:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 01:00:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 01:05:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:00:04 · 4 indexed passages
• 1989 · Sponsorship, 1st Hiawatha Land Get-Together 00:15:01 · 2 indexed passages

Patterns of conduct and response that become visible through inventory and are met with readiness, humility, and changed action.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:25:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:00:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 1 01:10:06 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 4 00:25:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · Steps and Service Workshop · 1 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage

An A.A. old-timer whose recorded talks and way of describing the program were important in Don’s tape library.

• 1996 · Alabama–Northwest Florida Al-Anon Convention 00:40:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 7 00:20:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · Steps and Service Workshop · 5 00:15:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 2003 · Big Book Weekend · 8 01:00:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 2003 · Big Book Weekend, location undetermined · Steps 2–3 00:50:01 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s sobriety date and the turning point he described as an unearned removal of the desire to drink or use.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:00:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:00:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:00:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s home ground: childhood, collapse, early recovery, family life, work, home groups, and later service.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:05:05 · 7 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:05:00 · 4 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:10:01 · 3 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:00:03 · 6 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:00:02 · 6 indexed passages

Stories and principles associated with A.A. co-founder Dr. Bob Smith.

• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:25:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 2 00:20:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 2 01:15:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · A Design for Living: Traditions and Concepts · 1 00:25:03 · 2 indexed passages

The physician whose description of alcoholism as an allergy and obsession became part of A.A.’s foundational explanation.

• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:20:07 · 2 indexed passages
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:30:11 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:20:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Classic Opening of Thoughts 00:10:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 00:30:03 · 1 indexed passage

Bill Wilson’s old friend, discussed as the person who carried a practical spiritual message to Bill before A.A. began.

• 1997 · Columbus Spring Roundup 02:05:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 4 00:00:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 3 01:05:03 · 2 indexed passages
• 2003 · Big Book Weekend · 4 00:25:00 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s evolving experience of reliance, grace, and a power beyond self-management, expressed in deliberately personal language.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 4 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:00:00 · 6 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:25:01 · 3 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:30:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:10:00 · 2 indexed passages

Parents, marriages, children, grandchildren, injury and repair—the family relationships against which Don measured recovery.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:00:08 · 11 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:20:05 · 5 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:10:01 · 8 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 7 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:30:05 · 5 indexed passages

Fear as a governing force in Don’s drinking life and as a recurring subject of inventory, prayer, and action in recovery.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:00:08 · 5 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:05:00 · 7 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:15:02 · 3 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 4 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:20:01 · 6 indexed passages

Recovery as participation in a people: shared experience, mutual dependence, laughter, correction, and ordinary presence.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:35:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 01:05:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 01:05:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 01:05:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:00:00 · 2 indexed passages

Freedom from compulsion, fear, isolation, and the past, expressed as the capacity to choose useful action.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:25:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:40:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:50:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:25:01 · 2 indexed passages
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:55:02 · 1 indexed passage

A close recovery friend and companion in Don’s daily practice, particularly his use of the Tenth Step.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 01:00:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s granddaughter, central to stories about patience, love, play, and becoming available to family.

• 1999 · Big Book Workshop · 5 00:15:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 2002 · A Design for Living: Traditions and Concepts · 4 00:45:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 2003 · Big Book Weekend · 3 00:15:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 2004 · Blackstone, Virginia 00:55:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 2004 · Sponsorship Conference 00:55:00 · 1 indexed passage

Help experienced as unearned: the removal of compulsion, the arrival of willingness, and the chance to become useful.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:00:00 · 6 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:30:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:10:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 01:00:01 · 1 indexed passage

Gratitude not only as a feeling, but as a reason to become available and useful to other people.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:15:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:00:04 · 4 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:00:03 · 5 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:15:03 · 2 indexed passages

The deliberately open language Don used for help, direction, and power beyond unaided self-management.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 01:00:03 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:25:01 · 3 indexed passages
• 1988 · Winnipeg Mid-Winter Conference 00:20:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday afternoon 00:20:04 · 2 indexed passages
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 1 00:25:00 · 3 indexed passages

The local group as Don’s spiritual home base: the place where he was known, accountable, and simply a member.

• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:55:12 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:20:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1989 · Sponsorship, 1st Hiawatha Land Get-Together 00:00:00 · 4 indexed passages
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 00:00:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:00:03 · 2 indexed passages

The discipline of becoming truthful after a life organized around adaptation, concealment, and escape.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:10:00 · 6 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:10:02 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:35:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:20:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:10:05 · 1 indexed passage

The possibility of change learned through identification with people whose experience made a different life believable.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:10:00 · 5 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:00:00 · 4 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:10:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:15:11 · 2 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:00:02 · 3 indexed passages

Right-sized participation: neither self-erasure nor self-importance, but teachability and freedom from status.

• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday afternoon 00:05:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1996 · Alabama–Northwest Florida Al-Anon Convention 00:15:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 3 00:05:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 6 01:15:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · A Design for Living: Traditions and Concepts · 1 00:35:02 · 1 indexed passage

Written and continuing self-examination, especially of resentment, fear, conduct, and harm to others.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:25:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:10:02 · 4 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:35:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:35:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:35:10 · 4 indexed passages

Don’s wife, present throughout his stories of family life, illness, partnership, repair, and long-term recovery.

• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 01:00:07 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Founders' Day 01:05:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Sunday talks · Sunday evening 01:10:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1993 · Fellowship of the Spirit 00:30:01 · 2 indexed passages
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 2 00:25:01 · 2 indexed passages

The reversal from youthful military imprisonment in Japan to later returns in sobriety for A.A. fellowship and service.

• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:15:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:20:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:20:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Winnipeg Mid-Winter Conference 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s stepdaughter, remembered in accounts of family relationships, parenting, and the consequences of recovery at home.

• 1988 · Founders' Day 01:05:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1993 · Fellowship of the Spirit 00:35:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1996 · Cedar Rapids, Iowa 00:55:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 3 00:20:08 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 5 00:55:02 · 1 indexed passage

Don’s stepdaughter, appearing in family stories about growing up, responsibility, and changed relationships.

• 1988 · Founders' Day 01:05:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1993 · Fellowship of the Spirit 00:35:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1996 · Cedar Rapids, Iowa 00:55:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1998 · Fall Conference 00:50:01 · 2 indexed passages
• 2002 · A Design for Living: Traditions and Concepts · 2 00:20:09 · 1 indexed passage

Bill Wilson’s wife and a co-founder of Al-Anon, mentioned in Don’s accounts of early A.A. history and family experience.

• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 2 01:00:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 2003 · Big Book Weekend · 4 01:15:02 · 1 indexed passage

Love expressed through attention, truthful relationship, patience, presence, and concrete care for other people.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:30:05 · 5 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:15:00 · 5 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:00:04 · 7 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 5 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:15:03 · 5 indexed passages

A Denver group member associated with the home in which Don’s early recovery group gathered.

• 1997 · Columbus Spring Roundup 01:00:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1997 · A Spiritual Journey, Strange Camels Group · 1 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 2001 · Big Book Weekend · 1 00:05:12 · 1 indexed passage
• 2002 · Steps and Service Workshop · 3 00:45:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 2004 · Big Book Seminar 00:00:02 · 2 indexed passages

What meetings can and cannot do, and how attendance becomes meaningful through relationship, action, and service.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:20:01 · 6 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:20:05 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:10:01 · 3 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:25:04 · 4 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:25:01 · 3 indexed passages

Don’s stories of early A.A. contacts in Moscow, Russian visitors, interpreters, and fellowship across political boundaries.

• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:15:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:45:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1989 · Sponsorship, 1st Hiawatha Land Get-Together 00:35:02 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:55:00 · 1 indexed passage
• 1992 · Maryland State Convention 00:50:04 · 1 indexed passage

The Navy years, military confinement, bad-conduct discharge, and the later meaning Don made from that history.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:05:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:00:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:00:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:05:04 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:15:03 · 1 indexed passage

The people who keep recovery immediate: how Don welcomed, challenged, sponsored, and learned from newcomers.

• 1989 · Sponsorship, 1st Hiawatha Land Get-Together 00:10:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1990 · Classic Opening of Thoughts 00:20:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1991 · 11th Hilton Head Island Conference 00:40:03 · 1 indexed passage
• 1991 · How to Work the Steps · Part 2 00:15:01 · 2 indexed passages
• 1992 · Fort Walton Beach, Florida 00:00:00 · 1 indexed passage

A prison mentor from Guam whom Don remembered for teaching service, human contact, and care for the next man.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:20:05 · 2 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:25:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:30:05 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:35:01 · 1 indexed passage
• 1988 · Winnipeg Mid-Winter Conference 00:15:00 · 1 indexed passage

Prayer, quiet, and conscious contact as practical ways to seek direction rather than dictate outcomes.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:15:03 · 7 indexed passages
• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:30:04 · 3 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:30:00 · 4 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:35:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:30:05 · 4 indexed passages

The incarcerated men Don credited with guiding his early recovery, confronting excuses, and giving him others to help.

• 1983 · 38th Texas State Convention 00:20:05 · 4 indexed passages
• 1983 · Scottsbluff, Nebraska 00:25:01 · 2 indexed passages
• 1984 · Little Rock, Arkansas 00:30:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:20:01 · 4 indexed passages
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:30:00 · 3 indexed passages

Recovery as an active, continuing way of living rather than the mere absence of alcohol or drugs.

• 1972 · North Platte, Nebraska 00:30:05 · 3 indexed passages
• 1986 · Iowa Fall Conference 00:10:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1986 · Reno Spring Festival 00:00:00 · 3 indexed passages
• 1988 · Founders' Day 00:10:00 · 2 indexed passages
• 1988 · Joe Hawk's home group 00:05:09 · 3 indexed passages