Unheilskette [German] means, literally a chain of unfortunate events.
“... but we invariably find that at some time in the past we have made decisions based on self which later placed us in a position to be hurt.” (Chapter 5, Big Book)
“And do not his actions make each of them wish to retaliate, snatching all they can get out of the show?” (Chapter 5, Big Book)
“But did not we, ourselves, set the ball rolling?” (Chapter 5, Big Book)
The decision based on self: the adoption of values in the areas, typically, of sex, money, power, prestige, comfort, thrills, and appearance. This directs my actions and expectations.
“His roots grasped a new soil.” (Chapter 1, Big Book)
If I adopt new values (total surrender to God), my actions run along a different course.
“If the owner of the business is to be successful, he cannot fool himself about values.” (Chapter 5, Big Book)