Some direct quotes and information from the small book: "Step by Step, A Guide for working the steps of Emotions Anonymous"

Step 1 "We admitted we were powerless over our emotions - that our lives had become unmanageable."

In the first paragraph the 'suggested' way to use the guidebook is to write answers down on paper. That unless we are willing to be honest and take a detailed look at our emotional problems there is little to no chance to sustain a healthy, serene lifestyle. We need to see in black and white how 'bad' the problem is in order to be willing to do something about it.

I am 'paraphrasing' a great deal except where there are quotation marks. It is advisable to refer to the actual literature for accuracy.

"Before beginning it is important to understand that working the First Step is not a confession of character defects and faults, it is simply an honest look at how our emotional problems have harmed our lives and the lives of others".

Breaking down our 'list' of events into age groups can help in writing the answers to the following questions:

a)Childhood home life: describe your relationship with the important people in your life..be specific and thorough. b)Adolescent home life. c)Adult home life.

What are 2 most pleasant and two most painful experiences in your life. Describe and be specific.

When did your emotional problems first cause you to feel discomfort. What happened? How did you feel?

What form did your problems take (depression, fear, anger, anxiety, panic disorders, psychosomatic ailments, excessive sleep, other behaviors)?

At some point you developed emotional problems..usually it happens slowly.
When did your emotional problems begin to interfer with your life. In social, recreational activities?

Did your emotional problems increase during times of stress...when and where (with Job, family, other)

How did your emotional problems cause harmful family consequences? Examples.

How much of your time is spent concentrating on your emotional problems while ignoring the needs of those around you?

How have your emotional problems affected you: created social problems, loss of friends, making unreasonable demands on others, retreating from life, blaming others, accusing others for your problems, job problems, absenteeism, loss of promotions, threats of being fired...other examples...

How successful have you been at trying to manage your emotional problems on your own?

"Why did you decide to seek help from Emotions Anonymous? In what way do you expect EA to help you? How willing are you to make changes in your attitudes to achieve emotional health?"

Again remember: "Before beginning it is important to understand that working the First Step is not a confession of character defects and faults, it is simply an honest look at how our emotional problems have harmed our lives and the lives of others".

this is my personal opinion only and please take it or leave it - these 'insights' into ourselves don't make us bad or unfixable monsters, just human beings. I recommend being kind to oneself during this process if possible....while being totally honest. This isn't about doing it ALL AT ONCE and FOREVER or even PERFECTLY....use something like H.A.L.T. (hungry, angry, lonely, tired) as 'rest points' to taking care of yourself during this process.