"Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character."

Step six was a time of reflection for me up to this point. When I came to this step on my very first go around, I was very confused as what to do with it. It seemed like nothing, but yet it was something and this step was very powerful.  

Just as soon as I could after taking my 5th step, I reviewed everything I had rewritten and I took time to think about those things and what I was trying to do and what I had done.  I counted every one of my defects characters. How many times was I inconsiderate, selfish, dishonest, controlling, my list went on.  I made sure that I had left out nothing. I wrote them down on paper also. 

For each, defect of character I had, I listed on a single sheet of paper, my sponsor had me to write out what I should have done instead. This step is really very simple. It was a recap.  I was seeing patterns of things I kept trying to do and trying to get over. I was becoming clearer on just who I was and what I wanted. And also what the root of the problem really  was.  I was no longer reacting but I was now acting.  I had something to work with and I felt hope for the first time that I just might have some release.  I had exhausted every thing I had in me to get things to work out my way.  I was ready to Let Go and Let God.  I quit fighting the laws of natural order and I started working with what I truly had. 

If I found something in this step that I had forgotten to share in my 5th step, I called my sponsor and I shared it with her.

I hope you find this step just as hopeful as I did.

Your Friend in Recovery,
Carol R.

  FOOD FOR THOUGHTS

HOMEWORK

1. Read Nicotine Anonymous Slogans To Help Us Be Happy

2. Read in our book on chapter on Step 6

3. Read from the big book bunch > Step 6.

4. Make a list of character defects and how many times such as lied, cheated, self-pity,  selfish, dishonest, self centered, fearful etc.  (For a print out of list in a word document, right click on this> Defects of CHARACTER and "Save Target As" to your desk top or your documents)

5. On a single sheet of paper, list a single defect of character and list what should have done instead.

               Example: 

When I want to be dishonest

I will ask God to remove the desire to be dishonest.

I will take an inventory and see what I am really fearing

Ask God to help me do the right thing and to give me power to carry it out.

Do what I think is God's will for me to do.

It is important for your health care provider to know of any present or past tobacco use so he or she can be sure that you will get the preventive health care you need. It is well known that tobacco use puts you at risk for certain health-related illnesses, so part of your health care should focus on related screening and preventive measures to help you stay as healthy as possible. For example, you will want to be certain that you regularly check the inside of your mouth for any changes and have an oral exam by your doctor or dentist if you have any changes or problems. The American Cancer Society recommends that periodic check-ups should include oral cavity (mouth) exams. By doing this tobacco users may be able to prevent, or detect early, oral changes, leukoplakia (white patches on the mouth membranes), and oral cancer.

You should also be aware of any change in cough, a new cough, coughing up blood, hoarseness, trouble breathing, wheezing, headaches, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, general tiredness, and repeated respiratory infections. Any of these could be signs of lung cancer or a number of other lung conditions and should be reported to your doctor. While these can be signs of a problem, many lung cancers do not cause any noticeable symptoms until they are advanced and have spread to other parts of the body.

Remember that tobacco users have an increased risk for other cancers as well, depending on the way they use tobacco. You can become familiar with the types of cancer you may be at risk for by reading the American Cancer Society document that discusses the way you use tobacco (see "Additional Resources"). Other risk factors for these cancers may be more important than your use of tobacco, but you should be aware of the additional risks that might apply to your situation.

Modified and taken from Guide to Quitting Smoking.