By Jack, Renascent Alumni
Step 10; “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”
In my experience, Step 10 is what keeps me honest, it is what keeps me humble. By working this step, I am able to recognize when my actions counteract the principle based life I am trying to live.
This brings a great sense of mastery to my life. By being able to reflect on the day that has passed, I can see where it was that I was wrong. By promptly admitting it, I form better relationships with those around me.
I recently had an interaction with a colleague where my confusion about an email led to a response that seemed rude, and sinister once I read it later that day. Having recognized my fault, I politely reached out to that person and explained where I was wrong. This is something I would not have done in the past and simply would have brushed under the rug. After I sent my apology, that person reached out to me and we had a lovely conversation that resulted me in helping him with a personal situation he had been dealing with. Although not another alcoholic, I took great satisfaction in being able to help him in troubling times. I find that when you work any one of the steps well, the rest will follow.
As I move forward in my day-to-day approach to living, I will continue to take inventory and admit my faults. By doing this, I ensure I continue to live the life I want to live, and take out a little bit more insurance against the first drink.
I am grateful for where the steps of AA have taken me in my path to recovery.
