When I sit in meetings listening to others sharing their personal issues, I have a tendency to compare myself to what they are describing. In doing this I miss the point of my recovery. My personal truth is that listening to someone else’s difficulties makes me feel comfortable that there is a group where I can express the same frustrations. I really loved that at first.

Over time, I came to see that this was not effecting any real change or relief in my addiction. I once heard a saying, “God can move mountains, but it helps if you bring a shovel.” In these meetings I wasn’t doing anything. Someone also said, “You can’t think your way into a new way of living. You have to live your way into a new way of thinking.” That means action precedes a change in belief systems. I was just sitting, listening, and thinking in these meetings. I wasn’t required to take any action to change the way I was living.

When I finally moved into action, I started experiencing real change and relief from my addiction. Then I started working the Steps in earnest. Working the Steps required that I take action. I began living differently, and understanding followed. I have had a spiritual awakening as the result of working the Steps. I have lived my way into a new belief system.

I recommend working the Steps as a priority for anyone’s recovery.