Resources

Dr. Paul and Max O. were childhood sweethearts and married over 60 years. Dr. Paul passed away in May 2000, with 32 years of sobriety. Max passed away a year later, in July, 2001, with over 30 years in Al-Anon. Paul and Max spoke at AA/Al-Anon conventions and other Recovery events around the world. Paul was the author of 2 books, and known for his 1975 Grapevine article, "Bronzed Moccasins", which is included in the Personal Stories section of the "Big Book",  Alcoholics Anonymous (page 407, 4th Edition)

"And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today.  When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person,  place, thing, or situation some fact of my life unacceptable
to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world by mistake. ...."

In Dr. Paul's second book, we learn that emotional maturity is like serenity. "The first time I felt serene, I wondered what was happening, but I liked the feeling and wanted more. The more I got, the more I wanted. Serenity is addictive."    Henceforth, no person or situation can upset us if we don't give them or it permission to do so. What could be a greater freedom than that?"

Dr. Paul discusses thinking, feeling, and communicating, as they relate to the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of sobriety. In his first book, he gives us his interpretation and application of the "Serenity Prayer" and, of course, he talks about acceptance.

Written by AA Members in Texas, and edited by Dr. Paul, the material presented has been used as by both individuals and groups of recovering alcoholics  as a way to study the first 164 pages of the Big Book while doing the Steps.