Step Seven - Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.
From Paths to Recovery - pg. 73-74
(copyright 1997, by Al-Anon Family Groups, Inc. Limited use by express written permission of Al-Anon Family Groups. Inc.)
In turning to the God of our understanding for emoval of our shortcomings, we fid we are given countless opportunities to see our requests answered. New situations appear in our lives, giving us opportunities either to repeat our same old responses or to practice something new. By knowing our own shortcomings and looking for alternative ways to act, we find new positive options for old, negative behavior. We become aware when old behaviors appear and can imagine a big stop sign in our minds. We can use the slogans to help us; "Easy Does It" or "Think" may be appropriate. Although it can be awkward at first to stop amid a criticism or sarcastic remark, our group will appreciate the changes. Even if they don't we can give ourselves a pat on the back to acknowledge ourselves and to see humor in catching ourselves in the same old patterns.
Love - Dot
wallsal55 said
Feb 20, 2006
Yes, I agree with you about seeing a stop sign. I have to ask myself if I pick up an old behavior again is it going to change anything? (It won't or it will just make things worse again usually. I end up hurting only myself. But then I could end up hurting others.) So, yes, EASY DOES IT, and THINK, and consulting with a sponsor, alanon members, and maybe counselors.
I just now have a counselor helping me get that THINKING TOO MUCH syndrome under better control. Will check my Step 7 notes at home, and may post back later. I need to review this Step again.
wallsal55 said
Feb 21, 2006
From my Step 7 notes I have kept, I found Step 7 to be a Spiritual Step. Of course, Humbly asking Him to remove, NOT ME. I had to ask what my fears were/are? I was determined after all to HOLD ON or GET MY WAY! I was a very determined person (with my will) when I came into program.
I had to ask for Courage to Change, to Redirect in Harmless Channels my shortcomings.
I had to balance my Higher Power's Responsiblity with My Responsibility.
My shortcoming may well have been a survival skill living with alcoholism. If I still want it, there is a payoff somewhere. I need to know what that payoff is. (p. 75 Paths to Recovery) I hope to find an alternative to that payoff skill or a replacement, but help from my HP. Willingness to receive that help.
For me, I had to release that "Death Grip" I have had on my survival skills. Believe me, I still think of picking some things back up now and then, just have not with the help of the program. Peace continues to grow in my life.
Yes, I agree with you about seeing a stop sign. I have to ask myself if I pick up an old behavior again is it going to change anything? (It won't or it will just make things worse again usually. I end up hurting only myself. But then I could end up hurting others.) So, yes, EASY DOES IT, and THINK, and consulting with a sponsor, alanon members, and maybe counselors.
I just now have a counselor helping me get that THINKING TOO MUCH syndrome under better control. Will check my Step 7 notes at home, and may post back later. I need to review this Step again.
From my Step 7 notes I have kept, I found Step 7 to be a Spiritual Step. Of course, Humbly asking Him to remove, NOT ME. I had to ask what my fears were/are? I was determined after all to HOLD ON or GET MY WAY! I was a very determined person (with my will) when I came into program.
I had to ask for Courage to Change, to Redirect in Harmless Channels my shortcomings.
I had to balance my Higher Power's Responsiblity with My Responsibility.
My shortcoming may well have been a survival skill living with alcoholism. If I still want it, there is a payoff somewhere. I need to know what that payoff is. (p. 75 Paths to Recovery) I hope to find an alternative to that payoff skill or a replacement, but help from my HP. Willingness to receive that help.
For me, I had to release that "Death Grip" I have had on my survival skills. Believe me, I still think of picking some things back up now and then, just have not with the help of the program. Peace continues to grow in my life.