“Step Nine allows us to practice all of the spiritual principles learned in the first eight steps…”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 43

For many years, as a practicing addict, I was either above the universe or below it. I had great pride and great shame. This duality fueled my prideful and pitiful addiction. My pride told me that a world-run on my will would make everything right. In recovery, I know that was nothing more than my EGO (Edging God Out). On the flip side, I had become so ashamed of my addiction and the turmoil it had caused in my life. The only method to assuage the pain was to use. Then, I would become ashamed I used, would use again to forget I was ashamed, and in turn the cycle would continue, round and round.

With recovery, I have learned that following the spiritual principles in our Steps has brought me to my Higher Power, whom I define as GOD (Good Orderly Direction). I understand today that I have a special place in the universe and a path to follow. This spiritual roadmap puts me into accordance with God’s will, and following it provides serenity because I accept who I am, an addict in recovery, who follows the middle road of humility.

Final thought: Today, I will try to live my life, absent of pride and pity.