Endigar 519 ~ Toward Emotional Freedom
From Daily Reflections for 20 Aug;
Since defective relations with other human beings have nearly always been the immediate cause of our woes, including our alcoholism, no field of investigation could yield more satisfying and valuable rewards than this one. (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 80)
Willingness is a peculiar thing for me in that, over a period of time, it seems to come, first with awareness, but then with a feeling of discomfort, making me want to take some action. As I reflected on taking the Eighth Step, my willingness to make amends to others came as a desire for forgiveness, of others and myself. I felt forgiveness toward others after I became aware of my part in the difficulties of relationships. I wanted to feel the peace and serenity described in the Promises. From working the first seven Steps, I became aware of whom I had harmed and that I had been my own worst enemy. In order to restore my relationships with my fellow human beings, I knew I would have to change. I wanted to learn to live in harmony with myself and others so that I could also live in emotional freedom. The beginning of the end to my isolation—from my fellows and from God—came when I wrote my Eighth Step list.
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The writing of my eighth step list is a field of investigation with great rewards. It is the beginning of the end to my isolation from my fellows and God. Its effectiveness is rooted in awareness that produces a hunger for personal change. This process is uncomfortable, but it can render serenity where once there was guilt. I will do what it takes to connect.
From http://silkworth.net/aa/promises.html
Daily Reprieve 
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