[nandm]

Day 4

Unwillingness

"If you want a place in the sun, prepare to put up with a few blisters." Abigail Van Buren

By the time we arrive at Step Seven, we've undergone a great deal of self-evaluation and self-appraisal. Sometimes it feels as though more is being demanded of us than we're willing to give. We've accomplished so much by this point, why can't we just kick back and rest for a while? Besides, isn't this pretty much redundant? Didn't we cover all this in Step Six?

Indeed there are similiarities. But Step SIx emphasizes readiness, while Step Seven indicates willingness. And then there's that subtle difference between shortcomings and defects. But if we think of shortcomings as falling short of our capabilities, and realize that the removal of defects can be inhibited by lack of willingness, then the effectiveness of the partnership between these two steps becomes clearer.

This understanding is helpful right about now, when another defect tends to rise up and plague us---procrastination. This is a tremendously powerful habit that gets in the way of our letting go of old patterns and ideas. Procrastination tends to create inertia, which we then defend by saying we've surely worked hard enough already. In reality, though, what it does indicate is an unwillingness to persist in uncovering and discovering any more negative things about ourselves.

Today's Step: I stop procrastinating and become willing

Step by Step. Muriel ZInk