The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear…
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p. 76
When I feel uncomfortable, irritated, or depressed, I look for fear. This evil and corroding thread is the root of my distress: Fear of failure; fear of others’ opinions; fear of harm, and many other fears. I have found a Higher Power who does not want me to live in fear and, as a result, the experience of A.A. in my life is freedom and joy. I am no longer willing to live with the multitude of character defects that characterized my life while I was drinking. Step 7 is my vehicle to freedom from these defects. I pray for help in identifying the fear underneath the defect, and then I asked God to relieve me of that fear. This method works for me without fail and is one of the greatest miracles of my life in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Good morning. I really like this. Thanks for sharing. I always feel like fear is right around the corner waiting to try and ruin my joy. The only way I can conquer fear is through honesty, prayer, and meditation. What is causing the fear? How does it make me feel and why? Then I seek guidance from my higher power. Like everything else, fear is temporary if I want it to be. It doesn’t have to lead to drink, not anymore!
…that we are actually to practice a genuine humility. This is to the end that our great blessings may never spoil us; that we shall forever live in thankful contemplation of Him who presides over us all. 12 & 12, p. 192
As we get sober and get our lives back, we must never forget where we came from, or the complete darkness of our disease. The second we start to take our sobriety for granted, we are on our way to a slip. Part of not taking our program for granted is practicing humility, which is fundamental to our continued growth and recovery in the program. The essence of humility is to stay teachable in all of life; be a student and seeker of truth. If we are truly committed to minimizing our character defects, the practice of humility is essential. However, we must still stand on our own two feet and walk with confidence. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but to think of yourself less. When I am in faith and demonstrating the virtues of this program, such as care and kindness, humility becomes a natural and welcome outcome. Humility also brings a sense of wellbeing and gratitude for today. As our founder once said about humility, “The most we can hope for is patient progress.” I hold dear this journey toward humility and faith, because I know the benefits are transcendent and unlimited.
I hope it helps Natalie, to bring you peace and serenity in your recovery. This is something that I’m going to try to do every day. It’s an honor and privilege to serve
