[nandm]

Day 1

Blueprint for living

"A man can not be comfortable without his own approval."

For those of us who keep a journal, the Tenth Step has really been in effect for some time. Perhaps we haven't pinpointed our errors and omissions in quite the same manner as we're now prepared to do, but in all probability we've gained a sense of when and how we slip up.

In essence, this step is a blueprint for living one day at a time. Although each of the Twelve Steps are designed for that precise objective, Step Ten really brings this techinque into focus.

When we were little, most of us had fantasies about an ideal existence in which we were rich, successful, healthy, and brave. Our heroes were those who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles aginst evil forces or tragic circumstances and emerged victorious and heroic in the eyes of others. We wanted to be like them.

Today, as we overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles against the malignant progression of our disorders, we are our own heroes and heroines. We are emerging victorious over the defects and shortcomings of our past. Those close to us are looking at us with new respect. And, above all, we are beginning to like and trust ourselves.

Today's Step: In m daily inventory, I find a blueprint for living.

Step by Step, meditations for living the Twelve Steps. Muriel Zink