Jan. 8, 2024 - Readings in Recovery: Step by Step

 

Step by Step

Monday, Jan. 8, 2024

” …(W)e spent three or four hours formally going through the Six-Step program as it was at that time.

1. Complete deflation.
2. Dependence and guidance from a Higher Power.
3. Moral inventory.
4. Confession.
5. Restitution.
6. Continued work with other alcoholics.” — Alcoholics Anonymous, 3rd Edition, 1976, “Personal Stories,” Ch 10 (“He Sold Himself Short”), p 292.

Today, the Program’s original Steps still serve to simplify the purposes of what later would become the 12 Steps. “Complete deflation” is the goal of the first step — “admitted we were powerless” — and “Continued work with other alcoholics,” the marching orders of the 12th Step. In between, we find and concede to a Higher Power from which we seek the strength and honesty to admit our faults to ourselves and someone else, and then make amends — restitution — for those wrongs. Today, if 12 Steps seem too high to climb for now, “Keep It Simple” and look to the original Six Steps. And our common journey continues. Step by step — Chris M., 2024