Old School Step work..(how it works)

[emmanuel2012]

I have less than 60 days sober and I've completed the 7th step of ALcoholics ANonymous! Before you become judgmental,
this is what I hear "how they used to do it"..

Bill and partners would come to the mental unit and meet with an alcoholic and explain the program and the first three steps. IF they were into it, the next morning they would come with the heaviest tool in AA (a pen) and some paper and they would commence the 4th step on day two.

This isn't exactly how i did it, but I was able to successfully complete, with my sponsor, steps 4,5,6, and 7 in one day. I feel great because of it. This is truly how they used to work it, but our current standards would think this is rushing it. My sponsor doesn't seem to think so.

In the end, this is a simple program for complicated people.

I will be making my harmed list (8) and commencing step 9 next week, and i'm beginning to see a complete reversal of my attitude and thinking already.

god bless A.A.

[Justme57]

Whatever works for you emmanuel

Keep coming back

HUGX
Lee

[Sheryl85]

I think that it is wonderful that you have submerged yourself into the program. The Steps work when they are followed up by vigorous action. Although I didn’t work them as fast as you, I think I was where you are by 90 days at least (I really can’t remember now). I was told to get with it and work what I could to the best of my ability. Anything I didn’t get on this round I could always do again. The most important thing at the time was to “Just Do It!� I was told that God rewards honest effort, not wishful thinking so I needed to get my rear in gear! The reward I got was contented sobriety and isn't that essentially what each of us really want?

Good luck and let us know how you are coming along in the journey… I’m really interested.

[Rob B]

Good for you, we learn through the big book spirituality alone is not enough, it must be accompanied by vigorous action. I believe the steps should be taken as soon as the head is somewhat clear, this will certainly vary from individual to individual, however, you are already experiencing a psychic change sufficient to RECOVER from alcoholism. Trust in god, keep up your work, and share your experience with others who still suffer, you are building an arch from which you shall pass through a free man.

[NoMoBeer]

Nowhere in the Big Book does it say we should wait around between steps... I think that if you did the steps as thoroughly as you could at this point in your sobriety, then hats off to you! My main goal in the program is to bring about a spiritual awakening sufficient to recover from alcoholism. We do that by working the steps.

I have just started working with someone as a sponsor (I think, he hasn't called me in a couple of days... ) -- so we'll see how I fare leading someone through the steps...

But I have to say I shudder anytime I read about or talk to someone who has drawn out Step 1 into some novelesque diary. MY belief is that if we wait too long, we may backslide.

I'm happy for your sobriety!

Ken

[emmanuel2012]

thank you all for responding. i was hoping i didn't sound like a know-it-all, as i have been in the past. you all are correct with the action part. the next right action is what i am striving to do. things go haywire still in my life instantaneously and i am still willing to go any length. my next task is to go back to the Into Action chapter and re-read it.

thanks again..