"yourself" in the Big Book

You may already have asked yourself why it is that all of us became so very ill from drinking.

We do not like to pronounce any individual as alcoholic, but you can quickly diagnose yourself.

It will not take long for you to decide, if you are honest with yourself about it.

Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which will solve your problem.

Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you.

If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway.

That being so you have swallowed and digested some big chunks of truth about yourself.

You need this information to put yourself in his place, to see how you would like him to approach you if the tables were turned.

If he does not want to see you, never force yourself upon him.

When he sees you know all about the drinking game, commence to describe yourself as an alcoholic.

Having had the experience yourself, you can give him much practical advice.

Therefore, ask yourself on each occasion, “Have I any good social, business, or personal reason for going to this place?

Perhaps you enjoy drinking with him yourself when he doesn’t go too far.

Attempt instead, to put yourself in his place.

You draw more and more into yourself and you think everyone is talking about conditions at your home.

Show him these things in yourself and they will be reflected back to you from him.

The chances are he will not for, like yourself, he is just beginning his development.

It will do little good if you point that out and urge more attention for yourself.

If he gets drunk, don’t blame yourself.

After satisfying yourself that your man wants to recover and that he will go to any extreme to do so, you may suggest a definite course of action.

At the same time you will feel no reluctance to rid yourself of those who cannot or will not stop.

Then you will know what it means to give of yourself that others may survive and rediscover life.

You are saying to yourself: “I’m jittery and alone.

You forget that you have just now tapped a source of power much greater than yourself.

Abandon yourself to God as you understand God.