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 August 7 speaks about Steps 10, 11,12. The reading points out that many consider those maintenance Steps, but we don't want to maintain where we are when we complete step nine. This is no time to stagnate., Instead we should really consider these Step growth Steps.
No matter how old we get these last three Steps let us continue to challenge ourselves. With the help of the these steps we need never be stuck again.
The quote is from a Chinese proverb; "be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still."
I love the last 3 Steps Step 10 is another daily exercise that I perform at the end of each day. This helps me to keep current on any negative feeling or response , own it find my part and move forward..
In Step 11 , a powerful Step, because it is here I pray for HPs will and thereby obtain the Power to carry it out. That is so very reassuring . In Step 12 I find the assurance that as a result of practicing these steps, I will have a Spiritual awakening and can move forward practicing these principles in all my affairs.
Good morning Betty and thanks for your service, the daily and your ESH! I too have heard these called the maintenance steps.....but I also know we talk about doing them each and every day and for growth purposes vs. maintenance purposes. Kind of an oxy-moron - ha.ha.ha.
I believe for my program these 3 keep me as grounded as HP wants me to be. If I am doing program things each and every day, I feel as if I stock up on my spiritual conditioning. Then, when there is chaos or turmoil around me, I have the spirit within to remember what I've learned to to practice the program as best I know. Once upon a time, I was a 'foxhole praying fool' - only prayed when the chaos and turmoil were swirling - so grateful I've learned a different way that has proven better for my serenity.
Step 10 gives me the freedom to see my part, acknowledge it, amend it and let it go. I love 10 - it gives me the freedom to be human and to move on when I act human.
Step 11 gives me the humility to realize what's happening around me is part of a bigger plan and if I talk with God often, I will have less fear when things are difficult and more faith.
Step 12 tells me I must give it away to have room for growth. Service to my group, others in/out of the program helps me maintain humility and practice grace.
Love these steps - we have a saying around our parts - If you are not moving forward in recovery, you are moving backwards - there is truly no standing still on this path. I agree - we in recovery do not have the luxury of holding still....it just doesn't work well for us.
Have a great Sunday - off to a meeting, then softball this afternoon and then again tonight!
Make it a great day!!
__________________
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
I loved the quote it had today" Be not afraid of growing slowly, Be afraid of standing still"
I am presently about to start my fourth step, so step 10, 11 and 12.... I have not come to yet.
I want to thank you both for sharing, it is wonderful to hear those who have valuable gems of info for a newbie.
One thing thus far I have realized is I must daily be walking with my HP and work my program. When my feet hit the floor I ask him for guidance and awareness for the next 24 hrs, and then I do my morning papers and readings. I know if I don't, I will stand still...and even go backwards. I have to for me.
((NSBlue)) Glad you are here and I appreciate your sharing your wisdom on this important page. Glad that you are in the process of working the Steps . They are the key to recovery.
