MY RECOVERY WORK THIS YEAR IS FOCUSED ON THE PRINCIPLES BEHIND THE 12 STEPS; ASKING KEY QUESTIONS THAT WILL HELP TO LEARN THESE CORE VALUES AND PUTTING THEM INTO PRACTICE.
The 12 Steps are rules to memorize The 12 Principles are ingredients to a healthy life.**
STEP 7:
Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.
PRINCIPLE 7:
Courage
KEY QUESTION:
What risks must I take?
Addicts are not strangers to risk. When living in my addiction I do many risky things; often putting others at risk.
In recovery, our approach to risk changes completely. We learn to consider our risks instead of following our impulses. We consult our inner observer, then consciously choose which risks to take. One day at a time, we become both more courageous and more discerning. ~ Patrick Carnes**
It takes courage to:
- Get out of bed and face reality each day.
- Be open and vulnerable in our relationships.
- Make amends for our wrong doings.
- Have faith for an unknown future.
- Process our internal pain and fears.
- Name and feel the feelings so long numbed.
- Keep boundaries in place.
- Do the next right thing.
What am I risking with my courage? Pain. Rejection. Uncertainty.
Bottom line: There is no courage without risk.
RESOURCES:
A Gentle Path through the Twelve Principles: Living the Values Behind the Steps by Patrick Carnes **
Image credit: [Jeanne Provost] © 123RF.com
Image credit: [Jeanne Provost] © 123RF.com