Now that you have made it through your Fourth and Fifth Steps in your recovery program, you need to take a look at your progress and see if you are ready to move onto Step Six. By asking yourself a few questions, you can ponder if you are indeed prepared.
Ask yourself if you have omitted anything? Is your work solid so far? Is the foundation you are building in recovery being correctly set? Are you going in order of the 12-Steps, or are you getting ahead of yourself?
Answering “yes” to these questions means you should be able, if willing, to continue progressing through the 12-Steps by moving onto Step Six. After looking back at your work, you have completed within the first five steps. After this process, you will have discovered and compiled a ton of information about yourself, including patterns and flaws that made you want to use drugs and alcohol to cope. Moving onto the sixth step gives you the ability to work through these patterns and defects for a better quality of life in recovery.
Step Six states, “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.” While this may seem like a tall order, your character defects can undoubtedly be removed. It merely requires you to put the same effort into your program that you put into Steps One through Five.
What Am I Getting Out of My Character Defects?
Many people hang on for dear life to their shortcomings because they are unsure what will happen if they finally release them. Change is difficult, and many believe they will fail anyway, so why should they attempt to try? They feel more comfortable holding onto character defects than letting them go. The chaos seems reasonable to them and became their comfort zone during addiction. Holding onto your character defects is like hanging onto the idea that you could drink again. This reservation could lead you to a relapse if you do not try to resolve the issue. Character defects might keep you more connected to your addiction than you need to be. Removing them will move your recovery in a better direction.
When Will My Character Defects Be Gone Completely?
You should know that you will never wholly eradicate your character defects because human nature makes that impossible. There will always be something that pops up for you to work on, but do not let that discourage you. As you are evolving in recovery, you are also overcoming your flaws. Having defects of character does not make you defective; it makes you human. You will still need to continue working through your shortcomings as they are revealed so you can continue to grow in your recovery.
What Will Happen if I Let Go of My Character Defects?
Letting go of your character defects can seem daunting. However, making changes in small increments can make a world of difference in your attitude and how you treat others. The Sixth Step is a step that helps you grow up, no matter how old you are. Being willing to alter the things that have been holding you back in life is a sign of emotional maturity. Looking at how things such as fear, greed, gluttony, pride, egoism, dishonesty, lust, jealousy, conceitedness, stubbornness, or anger negatively affect your life can free you from the bondage of self.
How Will I Function Without My Character Defects?
Honestly, you will be better than ever without your character defects. Without the burden of them, you will feel lighter than ever. You will start to feel like a better person as well as a rational and functioning member of society. Your program will shine through, and people will begin to take you at face value instead of wondering what you are up to. Working your character defects from the inside out will grant you integrity, honesty, goodwill, and positivity. These traits not only work for you but will directly benefit the others around you. If anything, you will function much better as you figure out your character defects and face them head-on.
How Will My Life Change Without My Character Defects?
Through the process of removing your shortcomings, your life will inevitably change, and so will you. The Sixth Step promises that you will stop feeling deeply ashamed of what you once were. You will see that your past was an essential part of your journey to get you where you are at this very moment. You are becoming a better version of yourself by making better decisions regarding overall mental, physical, and spiritual health. Your shame and guilt will turn into your experience, strength, and hope to help others. Equipping yourself in your recovery means looking at each character’s defect and being willing to transform into the person you were meant to be sober.
Keep in mind; this will be a step that should be repeatedly worked as your character defects are never-ending. The good news is that once you squash the first ones, and keep working on them, they become less challenging to walk through with practice. You will become more willing to conquer them as you continue to peel back layers of your character defects to recover.
Valiant Living provides a design for recovery that can assist you in becoming clean and sober. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant fosters connection. Clients are encouraged to connect to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients are restored to full health and experience life-changing healing.
Call us today for more information: 303-536-5463
