Stepping it up
I started a 12 step writing workshop last night. We're using the book, The 12 Steps, a Way Out. I love this format. The little Naranon step study booklet just isn't enough for me to really delve into and work the steps. I love the book we're using. It has enough of a balance of people who've come before me sharing stories that sound remarkably like mine, with room for me to write my own story. As I've been working the steps with my sponsor, I've drawn from this book. What I love even more about the writing workshop is the group process. The group is not closed yet, but it will be within the next few weeks. And there's a contract for us each to sign, with agreements like, "I will be as honest as possible in all things, especially with regard to what I am learning about myself- past and present." And "I will accept any discomfort or unsettling behavior changes that I may experience as a result of working the Twelve Steps." I like the fact that as a group, we can hold each other accountable. I like using the writing process, having the freedom to make it mine, and the guidance of people who have come before me showing me a way.
I just edited the last two words above from "the" way to "a" way. I also like the fact that the book we're using is NOT titled, "THE Way Out", but "A Way Out." As a member of a number of minority groups, two of which are Jewish and Gay, I'm a firm believer that there is not just ONE way. This 12 step program is something that I choose, because it helps me. It's not the only way. But it's MY way. And I'm excited about this leg of my journey.
5 comments:
In this class I am taking, the professor told us the first day that if we were uncomfortable about doing our assignments that it was a sign that the brain was creating new neurons (or something like like that) and that we were learning. So now I have decided to put myself in uncomfortable situations where I think I am uncomfortable because I have the opportunity to learn something. One such situation is AA (or twelve step) meetings because as a form of recovery, those are situations I am very uncomfortable with. And, indeed, I am learning a lot. I bristle a bit at becoming evangelical about the experience but as time passes I feel myself bending that way. Hopefully I can become an ambassador of attraction and not one of the do-or-die variety. Which is precisely why I like this post. Thanks for letting us know what's working for you. We can never have too many ideas to choose from.
WS
I have found a very wonderful web site, (the link is under addiction resources), the site is an AA 12 step guide. I reviewing it last night, and it has some really great information and some great writing guides.
Check it out!
I'm mad I couldn't make it. I'll be there next time!
Yay, JW. I was hoping you'd be joining. I was just picturing you all excited about the homework assignments. ;-) Speaking of which, we did week 1 & 2 yesterday, and agreed to complete weeks 3 and 4 for homework.
It's my way, too, RD. It's the only thing that has ever worked for me -- ever, ever. It got a junky with a $200/day habit clean so I stick with it.
I like to do homework kinds of stuff with my steps, too, so I'd be all over this thing you are doing. JW should go, too.
The website Ej mentioned is awesome. You would like it I think.
Peace,
Scout
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