If I had to name just one step that I personally feel is the most important to me, it would be Step 10.
Doctor Bob's last words to Bill W. were..
"Remember Bill, let's not louse this thing up. Let's keep it simple."
Some members may not know that, until the Big Book was written, beginning in 1938 and published on April 10th, 1939, there were no steps to be followed.
The one and most important thing we share with the early members, is the magic of one alcoholic working with another alcoholic sharing their own experience.
Written by Bill W. and published in 1953, 18 years after Bill and Doctor Bob met and began what was to become AA, The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions (The 12 and 12) explains the 24 basic principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and their application.
Below, on page 92 of the 12 and 12, in my humble opinion, are some of the most important words in all of written recovery literature..
Finally, we begin to see that all people, including ourselves, are to some extent emotionally ill as well as frequently wrong, and then we approach true tolerance and see what real love for our fellows actually means. It will become more and more evident as we go forward that it is pointless to become angry, or to get hurt by people who, like us, are suffering from the pains of growing up.
So there you have it. October. Step 10.
Your Ally .. S.W. in London (for anonymity)
Two books I try to live my life by ... the Bible and the Big Book ... they both suggest: self examination (accepting responsibility for my own actions without blaming others), making amends (restoration) and forgiveness of others ... when I put all these together and then add a heap of gratitude to it as well, I am at peace with God, myself, and others ... that to me is why I love Step 10 ... oh I thank God for releasing me of the bondage of the alcoholic obsession ... it is pure joy to walk in freedom. Never walking perfectly, but enjoying the journey of each new day with God's strength and guidance!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cap and Patti for being a precious part of my journey!
Thank You Ginny, Thank You So Very Much for your comment, kind words and for your ongoing support. The words that I posted from page 92 of the 12 and 12 are very powerful for me in my often distress over the action(s) of someone else.. Who like me.. are suffering from the pains of growing up. Cap and Patti
Delete