Getting rid of self. Is it ever entirely possible to rid ourselves of self?

This has been a question that's come up for me from time to time. Can I ever entirely "rid" myself of self? The books says there often "seems" no way of entirely getting rid of self without his aid. Are they implying that I could be entirely rid of self? 

In my opinion, (and let me stress this is my personal opinion), defects of character are never really fully removed as they come from self (or ego) and self is part of what makes me human. I have found that it is in striving toward selflessness that connection with a higher power is found. Minimizing the manifestation of character defects (with help from a God) toward selflessness is the best I can hope for. It is in striving to align my will (self) with the will of a good and kind Higher Power that I receive some peace, serenity and relief from the hopeless state of mind and body called Alcoholism.


The Big Book:

"So our troubles, we think, are basically of our own making. They arise out of ourselves, and the alcoholic is an extreme example of self-will run riot, though he usually doesn't think so. Above everything, we alcoholics must be rid of this selfishness. We must, or it kills us! God makes that possible. And there often seems no way of entirely getting rid of self without His aid."


I don't think that they are implying that we can entirely be rid of self, but they are saying that God has the power and if anyone could entirely rid us of self God could.

Please chime in with your opinions or views. Curious as to what other AA's think about being rid of self. Cheers from Bring the Hope!