The grouch part needs no interpretation. The brainstorm part means to me, to slow down. My mind used to race constantly. (except for when I was really good and drunk) Running on at a million miles an hour, recycling garbage thought, coming up with garbage solutions, that sort of thing.

My brainstorms weren't healthy. I had to learn a new way of thinking.

I think "the brainstorm" means that we cannot figure things out (alcoholism) with our own intelligence and rationale.

I had no end of trouble with this bit of the book because thought it was telling me that I mustn't be angry.

To me, the grouch is like a 3 day sulk, stomping around and not speaking, you know the kind of thing and the brainstorm is one of those huge rages we get into. Losing our temper if you like.

Oh yes oh yes, Serenity. That was me the last few days. I was sulking and being grouchy. Husband called me out on it and I nearly drank over it.

Brainstorming on the other hand. Not sure. I think I agree with Dreamingtrees. Me likes to figure things out. In the end after exactly 30 days, I decided I could not drink and that the answer was "JUST DON'T DRINK." What a danged waste of brainpower the last month! I was telling myself the same thing on day 1. I apparently had to run in a big circle before I could believe it.

How, your great. I was going to tell you I was the grouch but I had no brain back then so I never used it anyway.

For me it is about not stewing on things and being accepting of my alcoholism. I am as I am and no matter what, no thinking (brainstorming) will change the facts.

Isn't it cool how God speaks to us in the BB. It will mean for you which may not mean the same for others.... Hmmmm

"we had to be free of anger" are the keywords in this phrase for me HTL. The grouch and the brainstorm was the insane suffering going on in my untreated sober mind. Setting to work on the steps, and in particular dealing with resentments was the key to freeing me from the storm brewing. Without action, this grouch would have raged and been back drinking again.

You are right on Coog...

from Google: (clearly the authors were using definition number 2).

brain·storm
ˈbrānˌstôrm/Submit
noun
1.
a spontaneous group discussion to produce ideas and ways of solving problems.
2.
informal
a moment in which one is suddenly unable to think clearly or act sensibly.

Say fuck it and move on. Don't hold on to anger and don't sit and churn your brain about it.