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Post by lildee on Nov 14, 2005 8:13:57 GMT -5
Just have a question regarding working the Steps. When you were working the steps how far did your sponsor take you through them ? Was it just through 4 & 5 or did you work them further with the sponsor say until your amends? All answers from both sides of the hall are welcome. Thanks.
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Post by dg on Nov 14, 2005 12:05:02 GMT -5
I am still on 5.. Its on my part at finishing it off.. which I am trying to get back into swing of things, yet I am forever in my mind saying gotta do this to be able to continue the daily work of my program. It doesn't mean that the first 4 or 5 doesnt' play a huge role at keeping my self at bay with what ever I have to deal with be a small issue to a huge one. Taking it ODAT is a great way to keep yourself at check. Yesterday my husband and I had a big step on HOnesty being played and we both even talked about our steps and how we applied our program.  HOpe that is what you wanted to hear Lildee. take care. ;  |
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Post by caressa on Nov 14, 2005 15:35:45 GMT -5
For me it is about living the spiritual principles of the Steps. I did the paperwork for Step Four, using the Big Book guide and shared it with my sponsor. I did ongoing work with Counsellors to deal with issues that came up as a result of getting honest.
I did do the Step One guide posted in the NA column, and I believe it is my program and my understanding of God, yet my sponsors have guided me along the way.
My co-sponsor in early recovery said, "You have your own answers within." My reply was, "Yes, but I don't know the quesitons." She did help me, but on the whole I was left until I was willing to look at something and then she was there to guide me, or redirect me if she saw me heading in an unhealthy way. Sometimes I took her suggestions, other times I didn't, but I always valued her feedback. I can remember calling my sponsor on many occasions and saying, "I need to discuss Step Six tonight my defects of character were glaringly apparent today. For me, the steps aren't a one time deal and done. This is a living program, which I work into my life, one day at a time as the need arises. Sometimes I procrastinate and hold onto things too long, but eventually, the pain and new awareness, invites me to open the doors to the tool chest and make changes in attitude which generally brings about action.
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Post by Baritone on Nov 30, 2005 23:39:17 GMT -5
After being too long without a sponsor, one of my main reasons for getting a new sponsor was to have someone to check my thinking on steps 8 and 9. I can easily convince myself that i never harmed anyone - or just as easily think that i owe everyone in the world an apology. That's where i need someone who i can talk with, to get clarity on where i need to make amends.
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Post by TxRainwater on Dec 6, 2005 3:40:03 GMT -5
Initially I worked through step 8 using the Big Book and some other step work with my sponsor on my alcoholism. ( I had to be sure to get it JUST RIGHT!) Continually in touch, she was there when other things that I had 'left out' (haha) or really forgotten, we worked on those together.
As you stated, Caressa, for me this is a daily/living program. Applying these principles in all
my daily affairs.
When I speak to my sponsor on the phone now, usually one of the first things she asks is 'What step are you working on today?" Ongoing, neverending. Love it! I sure wish I had had these tools earlier. They were there, it just wasn't my time.
It is a one day program. Today.
love and light,
Brenda
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Post by Lin on Dec 6, 2005 19:50:09 GMT -5
I think it varies with each person. Some jsut need to get through 4 and 5 and then work the others as they come to them and check back if they ahve questions. SOme need to ahve their hand held and homework assignments to go with each step.
I've done it both ways.
LIN
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Post by caressa on Dec 6, 2005 23:59:01 GMT -5
For me, it was important to do my steps with another person. I don't have a drinking and drugging problem in today, but I still can go back into the old way of thinking. I know when I am in addictive and codependent behavior, and if I am alone with me, then I have no one to disagree with. This is a disease of perception as well as denial. I have always need a sponsor, a good trusted friend, or a counsellor to bounce things off of.
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Post by stickmonkey on Mar 20, 2007 14:39:54 GMT -5
i still use mine constantly.
i have gone through the steps alot of times.
my first sponsor,who really taught me how to work the steps died.i still miss him alot.he wrote the old na step guide that came out in 83.he wrote the traditions in the basic text.
when he died with liver cancer i got a close freind of his,in the same sponsorship family.
he still sponsors me today.
we went back and redid each step.
when i helped in the writing of the step guide in 99 he helped me to see when i was sticking to the principles.
the step guide isnt the way i work my steps today.
when i sponsor someone i get them to surender in each step to the best of there abilities.
i use diferant stuff for each sponsee.
i try to keep it real.
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Post by Lin on Mar 26, 2007 4:12:33 GMT -5
Thanks Stick monkey. That must have been awesome to help write a guide! Surrendering to each step sounds like a wonderful approach!
WELCOME to eor!
LIN
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Post by ascc2131 on Mar 26, 2007 20:54:02 GMT -5
Im afraid to go to meetings because I have no sponser, and the last time I went to a meeting, I got together with an old friend, an we went out and used. HELP ME!! I can't stop thinking about using at night before I go to sleep at night, it's driving me crazy! I really miss my boyfriend too, he is in Toronto, and I am in London. Everyone remember to love yourself, I hate myself all the time and I'm trying to learn to love the person I am. I LOVE MYSELF! Love yourself too!!
Anna~Banana
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Post by stickmonkey on Apr 1, 2007 14:50:36 GMT -5
hang in there anna
we do this together
i have some female freinds that can help if you want
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Post by ascc2131 on Apr 3, 2007 21:16:55 GMT -5
I'll try, it is getting easier though. Sober since the 22nd of Feb!! I really think that I would be crazy by now if it wern't 4 this site though. Thanx 4 ur support stickmonkey!
Banana
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Post by stickmonkey on Apr 4, 2007 8:29:51 GMT -5
keep coming
we can meet you at the london na convention
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jubal
Newest Family Member
Posts: 3
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Post by jubal on May 11, 2007 18:14:14 GMT -5
IMO, based upon my experience, it is dangerous for anyone new in recovery to attempt taking the steps alone. The newcomer should choose a sponsor. The sponsor is someone who has taken the steps with someone else who has taken them. It is the sponsor's job to guide the uninitiated through the twelve steps. The reason for this is very simple: An addict who has not taken all twelve steps has not had the spiritual awakening so vital to staying clean and being restored to sanity. A person who is still insane will most likely relapse. I suppose there are some exceptions, but they are rare. Once a person has taken all twelve steps under the direction of a sponsor, s/he can then learn to apply all the steps to his/her daily affairs more independently. Remember that the steps are designed to help a person develop a relationship with God. God is the ultimate source of our comfort and joy, not people. People are human and will fail us in one way or another.
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Post by caressa on Jun 18, 2007 4:07:30 GMT -5
We certainly need to do the steps because what brought us here will take us back out if we don't make some changes in our life. That is what the Steps mean to me. Looking at me and taking an inventory of what is good and what is no longer good for me in recovery. What use to work, often doesn't work now. I hear so many people say, well I have been doing this for years and I'm not about to change now.
Someone with this attitude is often a dry drunk. I agree, doing it alone didn't get me very far. I could stop, but couldn't stay stopped. It wasn't until I worked the program that I could stay clean and sober.
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Post by majestyjo on Oct 7, 2014 21:39:32 GMT -5
Me alone with me is bad company. I need to bounce ideas and thoughts off of someone else. My best thinking got me to the doors of recovery. Why should I want to continue on the way I was in active addiction. I had to be willing to be clean and sober. I had to be willing to go to meetings. I had to be willing to get a home group. I had to be willing to get a sponsor. I had to be willing to get a sponsor. I had to be willing to share with that sponsor. I had to get honest with me and open my mind to new concepts and ideas. The 12 Steps lead me to a better way of life. They lead me to a deeper understanding of my God. The 12 Steps heal me and allowed me to find myself and get to know who I am and I found out it was okay to be me.  |
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Post by majestyjo on Oct 22, 2014 17:21:07 GMT -5
What didn't you do today that you normally did as a part of your recovery routine in your first three months of recovery? I am guilty of just about everything. I have talked to my sponsor. I did my prayer and meditation. I did not go to a meeting and I am late with my meditation readings and sharing with others.  |
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Post by majestyjo on Nov 27, 2019 19:47:43 GMT -5
Still living the Steps, going to meetings, talking to a friend/sponsor, and a spiritual advisor.
Just for today, I choose not to use.
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~With Peace & Love, dg~ 8*)[/b][/size]
. I will be back looking for Lin and others.