“Each day, we renew our commitment to spiritual progress in order to stay one step ahead of the progressive disease of addiction. We practice perseverance.”

– Life with Hope, third edition, page 47

In working Steps Eight and Nine, my spiritual awakening is happening. As promised, I am finding a new freedom and a new happiness. Letting go of my anger and resentment by admitting them to another person really kicked off this process for me. I began to understand that fear and anxiety were ruling forces in most of my actions and relationships. By asking God to remove these and a few other negative qualities, I began the process of living a life that aligned my actions with my values. In taking the Steps to identify the harms that I have done to others and myself and making amends for them, I began putting this into action at a higher level.

Clearing away this wreckage has made room for a Higher Power to enter my life and guide me to the next right action. Checking in with my Higher Power daily through prayer and meditation, evaluating my behavior with others and making apologies or amends as needed, keeps my house in order. This clear space makes room for my Higher Power to show me what it is that I need to see and do next. Without the clutter of resentments, guilt and shame, there is space for gratitude, creativity, and deeply loving relationships.

Final thought: Today, I will take personal inventory to further my recovery and grow in connection with myself, others, and especially my Higher Power.