In one of my posts, I mention a personal 12-step program. Here’s the steps; after reviewing the traditional AA-sponsored 12 steps, I removed some and boiled the list down to four steps:
- Take a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself.
That means that I must be honest about my moral defects, and I must accept that the problem is mine; I alone am responsible for my behaviors. - Create a list of all persons I have harmed, and become willing to make amends. I need to work to determine who I’ve hurt, and how. Making a list will be helpful, as will paying attention to what I find out about myself during this process. Avoid being defensive or blaming others; forgive people for how I’ve been treated. Forgiveness for others leads to forgiveness for self.
- Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so will cause them or others harm. I need to use good judgment, be careful of timing, and have courage to complete this task.
- Continue to take personal inventory periodically, and when I am wrong, promptly admit it. Avoid making abrupt decisions; learn to step back and take a breath. Be ready to survey the situation honestly, and admit my wrongs, then forgive myself. Forgive others when they are wrong. Focus on progress; perfection is a myth. Develop a habit of introspection when you experience emotional disturbances.
I am a weird girl 