The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
The C2C reading for June 12 speaks about the 10th step and making it part of our daily routine.
This is the Step that asks that we" continue to take personal inventory and when we are wrong promptly admit it" .
The meditation points out that this Step is a gentle, warm and loving way to take care of ourselves. That by continuing to look within and owning what we find, we can clear out unwanted attitudes that might otherwise clutter our day.
Another benefit of working this step daily is that it helps us to stay in the day and live one day at a time. Simply by inventorying the day, leaving the baggage of the anger of the day in the past we can move forward into a new day, uncluttered.
The quote for today is from In all our Affairs. " Each day, each moment can be an opportunity to clear the air and start again fresh and free"
I really do love this Step as it truly has helped me stay in the day- appreciate all the good that was there so that I can add that to my gratitude list and see some of my overlooked negative responses that harm my serenity.
Prior to program, I always thought I was wrong about everything, I so must be careful. Identifying the" concept of being wrong". I modified the step little to accommodate this and now I say when I "feel wrong I promptly admit it to myself".
This way I can objectively look at the day- completely examine my feelings, my motives, my thoughts and actions and truly determine if I need to make amends to others, and to learn from my mistakes and move on.
This is a powerful Step. One I know has helped my recovery 100%. In the beginning I worked it out of sequence as it was easier to take a small portion of my life -(my day) and look at myself in it, rather than work a 4 and 5th Step on my entire existence.
Step 10 for me is one of my favorite. Before program, I would get quiet at night and focus on all that went wrong in the day or the silly/dangerous things that myA(s) did....it was all not about me!! I now can get quiet, assess the day and then pray/meditate before sleep. I try to start with what was good and working during the day - those simple things often that give me gratitude. Then, I look at where I can improve (actions, thoughts, reactions, etc.) and make note for a sponsor discussion, an amends or a let go let God moment.
I have a friend who actually journals each night for her 10th Step. I do not write things down unless it's 'of need' for discussion - and that's because once I write it down, it's more likely to not haunt me while I sleep....
The best program tool often is the 'You can start your day over at any time'.....this allows for a Step 10 or a few Step 10s to readjust my attitudes and thinking in a 24 hour period.
Fresh and free - love that!!
Take care and thanks for the daily!
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
