I can't believe how many ppl, institutions, and principles I have on my list. It's insane. I carry around more resentment and negativity than I even realize. It's ugly.
I woke up today knowing I need to stay close to the program and my Higher Power. Tough stuff coming up in stepwork is coinciding with tough life events. I'm willing to stick around to see the miracles happen.
It is so worth it. You'll be surprised....although the number may be high, once you do the 5th, you'll see patterns, then the number will not be so ominous....
That's exactly what I noticed as I was writing- patterns of behavior and reactions. I was essentially writing like 3 different stories over and over. Madness
What starts off as "vigorous action" on pg 63 ends with a promise on pg 84 "And we have ceased fighting." It's really wonderful the way the AA book is structured. All my issues were addressed by the book. The only key was to honest, open minded and willing. It worked.
Wonderful post. Keep sharing your ESH with us as you progress.
That's exactly what I noticed as I was writing- patterns of behavior and reactions. I was essentially writing like 3 different stories over and over. Madness
Chaya, Once you see the pattern that Col has desribed, move on to the next thing. Remember the objective is to get to "causes and conditions"
Col, print these and stick in on your refrigerator
THE PROMISES
If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and selfpity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.
Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among ussometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.
I love the promises. I also love when a vision for you is read at the end of meetings. "Abandon yourself to God as you understand God. Admit your faults to Him and to your fellows. Clear away the wreckage of your past. Give freely of what you find and join us. We shall be with you in the Fellowship of the Spirit, and you will surely meet some of us as you trudge the Road of Happy Destiny. May God bless you and keep you until then." I get emotional when I hear it. It's so beautiful.
