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Daily Reflections........................Alcoholics Anonymous

As we work the first nine Steps, we prepare ourselves for the adventure of a new life. But when we approach Step Ten we commence to put our A.A. way of living to practical use, day by day, in fair weather or foul. Tnen comes the acid test: can we stay sober, keep in emotional balcnce, and live to good purpose under all conditions?.........Twelve Steps And
...................................................Twelve Traditions, p.88

I know the Promises are being fulfilled in my life, but I want to maintain and develop them by the daily application of Step Ten. I have learned through this Step that if I am disturbed, there is something wrong with me. The other person may be wrong too, but I can only deal with my feelings. When I am hurt or upset, I have to continually look for the cause in me, and then I have to admit and corrrect my mistakes. It isn't easy, but as long as I know I am progressing spiritually, I know that I can mark my effort up as a job well done. I have found that pain is a friend; it lets me know there is something wrong with my emotions, just as a physical pain lets me know there is something wrong with my body. When I take the appropriate action through the Twelve Steps, the pain gradually goes away.


Continuing to take personal inventory has become a habit after all these years, but it's a good habit as I have a tendency to ease back into my old bad habits. If I am spritually fit, I know I am in good shape, but if I'm not, I need to take a look at my inventory and see where I have been wrong and where amends need to be made ~ then and only then does the pain go away.