The Gift of Readiness
Posted by: thruit on: June 6, 2008
Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.
–Step Six of Al-Anon
We progress to the Sixth Step by working diligently, to the best of our ability, on the first Five Steps. This work readies us for a change of heart, openness to becoming changed by a Power greater than ourselves – God.
The path to this willingness can be long and hard. Many of us have to struggle with a behavior or feeling before we become ready to let it go. We need to see, over and over again, that the coping device that once protected us is no longer useful.
The defects of character referred to in Step Six are old survival behaviors that once helped us cope with people, life, and ourselves. But now they are getting in our way, and it is time to be willing to have them removed.
Trust in this time. Trust that you are being readied to let go of that which is no longer useful. Trust that a change of heart is being worked out in you.
God, help me become ready to let go of my defects of character. Help me know, in my mind and soul, that I am ready to let go of my self defeating behaviors, the blocks and barriers to my life.
2 Responses to "The Gift of Readiness"
July 31, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I completely agree that in order to change behaviors we don’t like in ourselves, the first step is to want to change. Change can never happen without first willing it to happen. The second step is understanding why we act in the way we do. Once we understand the why behind the behavior are willing to put in the effort to change the behavior then we can actually move forward and begin change, as hard as that process may be. A great blog that can help with the second step is http://selfhelptips.wordpress.com/
Dr. Gootnick who writes this blog is the best selling author of Self Help for Smarties: Success Secrets for Weight Loss, Love and Sex, Wealth and Parenting. His blog and book are amazing – it’s almost like Dr. Gootnick has gone through these situations himself. They really helped me and I highly recommend them.
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June 10, 2008 at 9:28 pm
It has been my experience that when I am truly ready…the obstacles go away. And when I think I’m ready, but the obstacles are still there, it is tiem to do a gut check….the answer usually comes out as I wasn’t ready to let go.