Were entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character . . .

I learned that many things I thought to be assets were actually character defects - assets blown out of proportion. But they were my coping skills. What would be left if they were taken away?  I was afraid, but wanted the serenity I saw in the Al-Anon rooms, so I took the leap of faith.  I learned that God won't take away a defect and leave a void.  If I work my steps, I will fill that void with an asset, which will serve me better than the old defect.  This step changed me and my life got better.  Though I still live with active alcoholism, I am happier today than I have ever been - and I get along better with the alcoholics in my life. I owe my new life to my Twelve Step program - without it, I'm not sure I would be alive today. Thank you AA for allowing Al-Anon to share your program.

Love in the fellowship,

Kathy

Thank you so much for that share.  It gives a perspective that I hadn't thought of before, so I am learning something.

love in recovery,

amanda

When I finished my 5th Step with my sponsor she sent me home to read and think about Step 6. I had to ask myself - do I really feel powerless over my defects of character - powerless over other people, places and things but over my defects - shouldn't I be able to change myself? Well I struggled and tried to make changes in myself - by myself - and nothing was working. I was not getting better. So - one more time - I had to admit my powerlessness and realize I couldn't do it alone. I became willing to trust that my Higher Power could remove my defects of character. I was ready to go on to Step 7. Love in recovery - Dot