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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Step Work -> Step Work -> how do YOU "work the steps"? alanon
Post Info TOPIC: how do YOU "work the steps"? alanon
barbara


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how do YOU "work the steps"? alanon
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Do you read a 12step book, make comments, think through your own life and then tell a sponsor? Do you also read other materials like Courage to Change? Once you realize what needs work do you then read and talk about more on that subject? How do YOU do it?

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dot


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RE: how do YOU "work the steps"? alanon
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Hi Barbara - My first time throuh the Steps was a very slow process. I read the ODAT book every day (it was the only one we had then), went to meetings, talked with others between meetings and read the AA Big Book, our 12 and 12 and The Alcoholic Marriage. For awhile that was all I could manage.

As I read more about the disease of alcoholism the First step began to make sense to me.

I continued going to meetings and always felt better when I left so for some time the tables became the Power that I hoped would restore my sanity. You notice I said would - I hac to realize that a Higher Power COULD restore me to sanity if I did the footwork. That meant turning my will and my life over to whatever Higher Power I could trust (for me that was the tables for a long time).

This was not something I did in a few days or even a few weeks. It was a slow process for me until my sponsor pushed me into my 4th Step. I suggest the the 4th step Blue Print For Progress and get into the 4th Step as soon as you're able to feel comfortable with the 3rd.

I waited much too long to get into my 4th Step because I had a lot of shame and guilt and was afraid to look at it. The Steps that follow lifted the weight of that shame and guilt and I was able to learn to love myself again.

Love and hugs - Dot



-- Edited by dot at 18:43, 2006-03-10

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Sandy W


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RE: how do YOU "work the steps"? alanon
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Hi Barbara,


I have developed a routine so I do not forget to work the steps everyday. I have ONE DAY AT A TIME, on the table by the front door, before I leave as I grab my keys, I force myself to stop and read the page for the day. In the morning, I get my coffee and write on my journal for a few minutes and then write 3 things I am grateful for. If in the process of writing my journal I catch myself having done something that I should not have done, I immediately try and make amends to that person. When the alcoholic pushes my buttons, rather than react, I just stay quiet and say nothing so I do not engage. I make a point of "trying" not to tell God what I want or want him to do for me rather to thank him for the blessings he has planned for me on this day........ and my biggest one? I have my mug, my trusty companion that says "LET GO AND LET GOD"..... It is hard to forget as I see it constantly. I stay in touch with my sponsor, go to my meeting. I leave little ALANON reminders all over the house..... It is the only way that I can stay on my path of recovery, it is the only way I feel I can have a future.


Sandy W.



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