I’m doing a pretty poor job of keeping up on this blog. But like a lot of things in recovery, I turn to it when in need. It’s been great to get a few comments – all of which have been very helpful!
Today – Steps 8 & 9 – my nemesis steps. It’s been over a year since I did 4 & 5, my two year birthday will be September 12, but I’m just stuck here looking up at 8 & 9. I pray for willingness, but there’s still a massive amount of fear and pride keeping me from taking action. Arrrgggghhh.
I’m off work today and my goal is to do Step 8 – this should be the easy one of the pair. I’ve got the Big Book and 12 by 12 and am ready to go – I guess this post is just another way of stalling.
I did Step 4 before a long trip back to the States as I was afraid I would drink if I didn’t do it. I don’t have that kind of fear any more, what’s driving me is the Promises. What I’ve been told can happen for me in AA has happened so far. Since I came in to the fellowship, the promises have sounded like what I want. It’s just these two damn steps in the way now! God, grant me the willingness….
Irish friend of Bill said,
August 13, 2007 at 11:16 am
the way i did it was in three columns
1st col. whom i harmed
2nd col. the nature of the harm
3rd col. What did it feel like being THEM on the receiving end of my harmful actions, or harmful omission of actions.
How might I have felt. But more importantly, how did THEY feel. This is an exercise in EMPATHY. in placing oneself in the ROLE of another. And seeing the world through THEIR eyes. From a position we may NEVER have inhabited previously. You have to get inside their skin. Walk in their shoes. See it from THEIR persepective.
Its not easy.
Good luck!
Namenlosen Trinker said,
August 17, 2007 at 1:30 pm
“I’m just stuck here looking up at 8 & 9.”
When I got stuck on a particular step, I was told, “Obviously, you didn’t do the preceding step thoroughly enough. You need to go back and complete it.” And what do you know? It worked!