How fast did you work the steps?

[rednose-rach]

I know there are a lot of varying thoughts out there on this and it seems that the general opinion is to not rush or make too many actions too quickly.... but I thought I'd just take a survey.
I'm leaving my current group and my sponser and I are going to try to get me through steps 3-5 in two weeks. I know it sounds rushed, but I feel like finishing my 4th step would be really useful for me in my new environment. Any opinions?

[best]

I realized I had a problem and stopped drinking about 17 years ago. As far as the steps, I have done them all and use them all today but it took me till about 5 years ago to even start to know what the steps are and start to use them.
I found the steps in the bible (doing things God's way) and after the fact realized that AA uses the same steps to reach a complete life.
I would think an understanding of what each step is....
A using of each step as you grow in that understanding...
A living out the steps daily as you grow...
... doing each step as fast as you can (as fast as you come to understanding of them)is what each should strive for.
A dry drunk's life was a life I wasn't pleased with. Some 12 years worth was to long.
It isn't a race... it is a growth. As we can take in the info with understanding is how fast we should do the steps. A striving for growth. They are called steps because that is how we grow... Up a steps at a time. Take each step, no double steps to reach the top faster. We will grow as fast as we can and the steps are the fertilizer for that growth.

[splendra]

I was really hard headed and it took me 1 year to work step 1 fully, 2 years to do the rest..

[Aladinsane]

Hi red nose
It feels like it's neccesary to get throught those steps as fast as you can....in the hopes that you'll get better faster.This isn't always the best way I found. The more time it akes to do them , the more likely it will stick to you and it becomes iinstinct to DO each step everyday and to use them in every aspect of your life.It's not a once in a lifetime thing to do them, it's an everyday occurence.
The first time around is very painful and some people find that they can't do it or, they become a factor in someone's relapsing. Be careful.
Aladinsane

[Rowan]

Hi Red Nose
My first time around, my sponsor had me do my 4th and 5th around 8 months. It wasn't a very thorough 4th, if hindsight has any merit, but I did the best I could at the time.
Today I am 10 months sober and I am on step 2. I still have my sponsor but I regularly see an addictions counsellor and he is a firm believer in taking as long as you need to on a particular step before going on to the next one. Although I didn't fully support this, I did as he asked. He gave me worksheets on each step to fill out, and they helped too. I go to a lot of step meetings and these help too - hearing others' interpretations of the steps.
If your sponsor wants you to do this - why not? Get rid of the crud on the surface, and the next time you do your 4th (as often as you'd like!) there will be more crud floating on the surface to be skimmed away. Have faith that your sponsor has your best interests at heart - have faith.
Keep coming back.
Love, Rowan
p.s. although I am currently 'working on' step 2 doesn't mean that I can't put the others into practice each day; Step 10 in particular. And Step 12; helping others. Food for thought.

[rednose-rach]

Thanks for the responses. I just came from meeting with my sponser and working steps two and three. I'm glad we worked them at the same time. We met in a coffee shop here in Seoul, very quiet and private, and after it was through went into the bathroom, which, interestingly, was bathed in a white light, got down on our knees and said the step three prayer together. I'd never prayed down on my knees before and I've never prayed that way with another person.
I know that blowing through the steps is not the answer and I like to think that instead of "passing" steps, I'm really just familiarizing myself with them and working them as well as I can at this point in time and that I will be returning to them in the future....(on a daily basis). I learned so much today....and fantasic/fabulous/awesome for having gone through step three today. It's a day to remember when you "find god".

In the coming two weeks I'm going to try to work through step four and do it to the best of my ability at this time. I worry about not being thorough enough but I'm in a situation in that I will be away from regular meetings and the sponser and the program for the next two months. I want to have some of the serenity that comes from step four.

[best]

What a wonderful feeling of memories your post is giving me.
getting down on your knees and from the heart... Yes that is a feeling and action to remember. As far as not being complete enough....as things are brought to mind. The steps daily will cover things not thought of at this time.
I like the idea of familiarizing with all the steps. I like seeing the whole picture and how they all work together. (that is me others may be different)
Know you are accepted and fogiven. remember that as you work the steps.

You say time away from meetings for a month or so... remember the being on your knees and know that you are never alone.

[Chy]

We all do it at our own pace. I felt rushed and hurried when I first started, the perfectionist I am, I wanted to graduate early! But I have found taking it slow, understanding and being as thourough as possible is the best way for me. I have 14 months of sobriety and am going on to 10 and 11 soon.. and I've been doing 12 since day one.. so I'm ready for round two of 12 steps agian!

[MootPoint]

I'll throw in with Chy's "we do it at our own pace." I have 14 months in the program, but sobriety date is Oct because of some pills. Being a dry drunk for a few months is what caused me to take those pills. Sigh.

I was rushing through them during my first months. Then later, as I gained more understanding of HP, I asked to redo 3 on up. I am now on 9 again, but I've already done some of my amends.

I have already been doing 10 because I have for about 6 months been reviewing my day and admitting I was wrong when needed.

I also have been doing 11 because I have been actively seeking conscious contact with HP and seeking to do It's bidding.

I also have been doing 12 and will continue to do so.