Spotlight On Sobriety 10/12/2025
- Steve N.
- Oct 6
- 7 min read
In this week's publication:
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Spotlight On Sobriety 10/12/2025
Principles Behind The Steps - Step 1
In this series about the principles of the steps, we will do a deep dive into each step. We will first look at step 1 and work through step 3 over the next few weeks. Based on feedback from you, we will decide if we want to move through the remaining 9 steps. Please let us know. We really appreciate and use your feedback. SpotlightOnSobriety@gal-aa.org.
Take a moment to ask yourself: Have you ever experienced this moment of surrender? What does powerlessness mean to you?
Step One: The Beginning of Recovery
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, Step One
Every journey in Alcoholics Anonymous begins with this admission. Step One is often described as both the hardest and the most important step, because it requires a surrendering of the illusion of control. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions explains. “Who cares to admit complete defeat? Practically no one, of course. Every natural instinct cries out against the idea of personal powerlessness” (12x12, p. 21). Yet it is precisely this acknowledgment that opens the door to recovery.
The Big Book paints the picture vividly: “We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 30). Without this concession, the alcoholic remains trapped in the cycle of obsession and compulsion—promising never to drink again, only to return to the bottle despite every good reason not to. The problem is not a lack of willpower or moral character. As the Doctor’s Opinion observes, alcoholics suffer from both a mental obsession and a physical allergy, which together create a condition that is “hopeless” without outside help.
Outside perspectives affirm this. Hazelden Betty Ford describes Step One as “the reckoning,” where an alcoholic stops minimizing or rationalizing and instead accepts the truth of their disease: Life has spun out of control. Similarly, Alcohol.org emphasizes that Step One is not simply about drinking less but about recognizing that alcohol has become the master, dictating choices, relationships, and even survival.
This surrender, however, is not a sign of weakness. It is the paradox of recovery: Admitting
powerlessness becomes the source of new strength. The 12x12 reminds us, “Until we so humble ourselves, our sobriety—if any—will be precarious. Of real happiness we’ll find none at all” (p. 21). By dropping the exhausting fight to control drinking, space is created for a different kind of power—what AA calls a Higher Power—to begin working in our lives.
Step One also carries emotional weight. It asks us to face shame, broken promises, and the wreckage of the past. Many alcoholics cling to the hope that they can manage their drinking, that one day they will “drink like other people.” The Big Book calls this “the great obsession of every abnormal drinker” (p. 30). To let go of that hope feels like a death of sorts. But in AA, it is also the birth of a new life.
Ultimately, Step One is less a one-time admission than an ongoing practice. Life’s challenges continually remind us of our limits. Alcoholics who stay sober long-term often return to Step One’s lesson: That humility, acceptance, and honesty about powerlessness are the bedrock of freedom.
By embracing Step One, countless people have found the strength to take the next step—and then the next—into a life not just free from alcohol, but full of purpose and connection.
Steve N.
Chair Person's Message
It's fall, a big deal here in New England. Changing leaves, pumpkins, and apple cider.
This has been a very busy three months, beginning with the world convention! We had a great turn out. The meeting rooms were full and folks had to sit in the halls which wasn’t too good but they all started their own meetings. Hoping in 2030 we can have larger rooms! Met a lot of new LGBTQ+ folks from around the world in our hospitality suite.
Partially as a result of our successful Convention activities more members are joining us and expressing a willingness to be active with Gal-AA. Which is great especially because this fall we are creating more committees. Outreach, Tech, Marketing, Newsletter, Policy and Finance. Folks can join committees as volunteers, and will not need to be voted into an elected position. It also will allow folks who only have a few hours a month to be involved. This is a great way to begin to become involved with GaL-AA.
We are having our Annual Meeting on November 1, 2025 at 12:30 PM Eastern time in the US. It is important to come because this is the only way you can vote for your favorite candidates. The positions that are open are Deputy Chair, Secretary, and Advisors. Come and check them out. It is vital to have people that are aligned with your ideas to be voted in.
Also, at the meeting we will be appointing our liaisons. We currently have two candidates and are looking for one more. This is a one-year commitment and they will be part of our board.
In our newsletter, “Spotlight On Sobriety”, on October 12, a new series will start, “Principles Behind The Steps”. The principles are the underlying virtues and traits that the 12 steps are designed to cultivate. Honesty, hope, faith, integrity, willingness, humility and open mindedness are a few. These principles provide a framework for personal growth, helping individuals to live a fulfilling life in recovery. If you haven’t read them this is a great way to start.
Hope to see and or hear from you!
In Peace.
Hilde M.
Chair GaL-AA
Annual Meeting 11/01/2025 12:30 PM ET
Our Annual Meeting will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 12:30 PM ET on Zoom. This meeting might be compared to a large Group Conscience Meeting or, even more aptly, a General Service Conference of GaL-AA. During this meeting, members are encouraged to participate by listening to the reports given by each member of the Executive Committee. Questions may be submitted in advance to support@gal-aa.org. If time permits, we will also address questions at the end of the meeting.
Below is an overview of what members will be voting on. Details, including information about candidates, are available on our Annual Meeting webpage:
Proposed bylaw changes (Annual Meeting Page)
Electing new trusted servants to the Executive Committee for the open positions of Deputy Chair, Secretary and three Advisor positions.
One advisor position requires a two year commitment while the other Advisor positions are to fill unexpired terms of one year.
Introduction to Liaison Members–Two of our three appointed Liaison members will be introduced during the meeting. One position remains open.
If you are interested in a board appointed position, please send your service resume to “elections@gal-aa.org”.
Voting will take place live within Zoom using its secure voting features. To ensure your voice is counted, it is essential that you be on our official GaL-AA email list, as meeting and voting links will not be shared on social media. For security reasons, meeting details and voting links will only be distributed via email to subscribers.
If you are not yet on the list, please sign up today through our Members Page.
This is your opportunity to actively participate in shaping the future of GaL-AA. We encourage all members to attend, cast their votes, and be part of this important process.
For more information, please visit our Annual Meeting page.
GaL-AA Election Committee
GaL-AA Roundup Listing
✨ Our Roundup Listing Has Been Updated! ✨
We’ve added new Roundups to our Roundup Listing page, complete with links to each event.
Check it out to find upcoming gatherings and opportunities for connection.
👉 Know of a Roundup we don’t have listed? Or see something that needs correcting?
Please send us the details so we can keep our list current and helpful for everyone. SpotlightOnSobriety@gal-aa.org
Treasurer’s Reports Now Available
GaL-AA’s latest reports are now published and ready for review. These reports include detailed monthly contributions and provide transparency into how your support helps us continue carrying the message.
We produce monthly Treasurer’s Reports. You can view those monthly on our website:https://www.gal-aa.org/treasurer-reports
To sign up to be a supporting member, visit our members page:https://www.gal-aa.org/members
Quarterly Contributions for Newsletter | |
GaL-AA | |
July 1-September 30, 2025 | |
Contributor | Amount |
7 AM Sunny Dunes Attitude Adjustment Online Group - Palm Springs, CA | 46.50 |
Aaron H. | 15.00 |
Acceptance Group - Charleston, SC | 56.86 |
Alive Again - Dix Hills, NY | 600.00 |
All Are Welcome Online Group | 67.50 |
Arsenia R. | 10.00 |
Bell, Book and Candle - Atlanta, GA | 170.00 |
Calvin N. | 32.10 |
Darla B. | 25.00 |
Edrie S. | 100.00 |
Erin H. | 50.00 |
Fabulous in Sobriety - Toms River, NJ | 45.00 |
Gay Men in Recovery - Asbury Park, NJ | 20.00 |
G&L AA Group - Des Moines, IA | 50.00 |
Guy M. | 15.00 |
Jaime G. | 60.00 |
Jason W. | 40.00 |
Julie F. | 100.00 |
Keith H. | 30.00 |
Lambda Live and Let Live - Austin, TX | 24.97 |
Last Call - Los Angeles, CA | 15.08 |
Lee B. | 5.00 |
LGBTQ+ in the Suburbs - Winchester, MA | 100.00 |
Live & Let Live - Birmingham, AL | 75.00 |
Lorraine H. | 28.00 |
Lou P. | 100.00 |
Michael P. | 25.00 |
Midday Group # 419671 - Palm Springs, CA | 68.22 |
Noah C. | 25.00 |
Primary Purpose - Columbia, SC | 166.38 |
Queers & Crackpots Group of Alcoholics Anonymous - Columbus, OH | 35.29 |
Randy E. | 50.00 |
Richard H. | 20.00 |
Richard W. | 60.00 |
Steven N. | 60.00 |
Sunny Dunes #100 - Palm Springs, CA | 136.66 |
The Lavender Online Group - Northeast | 23.39 |
Thursday Midday Gay Group - Rosedale, NJ | $20.00 |
GaL-AA's Spotlight On Sobriety 10/12/2025
The Spotlight On Sobriety features personal stories, articles and reflections submitted by members and friends of the fellowship. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Alcoholics Anonymous or GaL-AA.
Your GaL-AA Newsletter Team
