Member: Curtis L
Location: Goliad, Texas
Date: 22 Sep 2002
Time: 09:19:01
Well, I checked my motivies in Step 10 and admitted when I was wrong. Honest inventory. On Step 11, I do seek to do the next right thing. God does not give me a "To Do" list. I have an inner feeling about what's right and wrong, and if I get quiet, still, calm, and then listen to whatever sound there is; then I sometimes can be a little more honest about what's selfish on my "To Do" list. "To Thine Own Self Be True" is my daily answer to God's will for me.
Member: AZbill
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizo
Date: 22 Sep 2002
Time: 20:12:54
HI, Bill here, alcoholic from Arizona. The 11th Step says it all. It is a complete design and instructions for getting through each day without taking that first drink. Tells me what I should do when I retire at night. Tells me what I can do upon awaking. Suggests to me how to plan my day Gives me the complete instructions on what to do if I should become confused, face indecision or start to struggle. Tells me that the right answers will come if I practice this Step for awhile. All I have to do is ask (prayer). One of the questions most asked of me by newcomers is, "How will I know when I make that conscious contact?". I don't know. On Page 55 it will tell us where we will find this Higher Power, God if I may. When differs with the individual. It generally happens somewhere between Step 4 and Step 9. But for sure we know when the promises start to come true. "We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. That is your conscious contact. Thank you for being a part of my sobiety today, Bill.. az-bill@mindspring.com
Member: AZbill
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizo
Date: 22 Sep 2002
Time: 20:13:13
HI, Bill here, alcoholic from Arizona. The 11th Step says it all. It is a complete design and instructions for getting through each day without taking that first drink. Tells me what I should do when I retire at night. Tells me what I can do upon awaking. Suggests to me how to plan my day Gives me the complete instructions on what to do if I should become confused, face indecision or start to struggle. Tells me that the right answers will come if I practice this Step for awhile. All I have to do is ask (prayer). One of the questions most asked of me by newcomers is, "How will I know when I make that conscious contact?". I don't know. On Page 55 it will tell us where we will find this Higher Power, God if I may. When differs with the individual. It generally happens somewhere between Step 4 and Step 9. But for sure we know when the promises start to come true. "We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. That is your conscious contact. Thank you for being a part of my sobiety today, Bill.. az-bill@mindspring.com
Member: V.
Location: Midwest
Date: 23 Sep 2002
Time: 08:37:55
Hi, V. here, alcoholic. I love this step. I haven't got to it yet being a newcie but am already thinking I'm getting in contact, tho unconscious, when I realize some of the promises are beginning to come true a bit at a time and things are definately easier today when I am sober. And if I ask my HP to keep me sober today I know I have a shot at it, and if I say "Thy will, not mine, be done. Amen" then I figure what has to be will come about for me that day and I'll be given what I need and what I can manage. I keep books of maily thoughts and meditations handy and like at f2f meetings I get what I need there for the now. At f2f meetings I see my HP in those who share experience, strength and hope, and that can get me through a lot of the stuff that comes to happen in my little life. If I can get in touch with a voice n the phone that reminds me that I'm not alone. All these things are making me feel together today. Can't wait for the day when I actually have a reasonably good idea what I'm talking about!!! Thanks for being here and sharing and letting me participate.
Member: day day day
Location: say say say
Date: 23 Sep 2002
Time: 16:53:48
How might we improve our consious contact with God? You'll have too agree with me that the scripture cannot be denied, if ye believe according to step two; Now then I've said all that to say this: Ye must be baptised lest ye deny yourself such revelations of God..
Member: tedu
Location: maryland
Date: 24 Sep 2002
Time: 08:23:15
Meditation did it for me. Slowly over a few years time, I found a spirituality whose depth and breadth helps me stay sober one day at a time. My contact is conscious and through it I've found a way of life to replace my way of life.
Member: Jack B
Location: Palo Alto, PA
Date: 25 Sep 2002
Time: 02:24:44
Hi, I am Jack, a real alcoholic. Step 11 for me is simply asking God to help me live the right way. Thanks for allowing me to share and God Bless.
Member: Joy V.
Location: Arizona
Date: 25 Sep 2002
Time: 08:03:34
Hey fellow travelers, Well I am in sincere need of a meeting this morning, but due to my schedule won't be able to get to one til Friday. At moments like these I especially appreciate the online meetings. Step 11 is the perfect topic for me right now as I have been seeking to have a deeper relationship with God. I'm still working through some of my trust issues, but it gets better all the time. I’m frustrated at the moment and feeling a bit victimy, but I’ll get over it. I continue to be in prayer over my anger issues and am grateful for much progress. Something happened early this morning (after 2 hours of sleep) that would have set me off big time in the past. While I did have a reaction, it was nothing like the uncontrollable rage that used to spew out of me at the slightest provocation. I know there is a solution in every situation, and God will help be see it, if I humble myself and ask for His help. Time and again I have seen God pull me through situations where I didn't have much hope. He is truly restoring me to sanity, and the closer I draw to Him to more peace and joy I experience. If can truly turn everything over to Him, I can let go of my need to control. The big C, CONTROL has been an ongoing issue in my life. I've liked to think there are at least a few things I can control; I want to be able to control something! But my controlling anything is just an illusion. I know I'm in trouble when I'm mad at the world, including God and don't want to pray, or as it says in the literature "a rebellion so sickening we won't even pray." Prayer truly does change things! I’ve seen it my life and the lives of many others. Blessings to you all and hang in there to see the promises fulfilled in your life.
Member: michael b.
Location: az
Date: 26 Sep 2002
Time: 01:10:13
Hi! my name is michael, and i am a recovering alcoholic and addict, sober today only by the grace of god and the fellowship. thanks for the sincere shares. welcome newcomers! this step is one of my favorites. not only does practicing this step to the best of my ability remind me that there is always room for growth, but it makes me feel good about myself while i'm practicing it. of course, i recognize it is also a key to my sobriety.
Member: ChrissiS
Location: uk - Milton Keynes
Date: 26 Sep 2002
Time: 08:18:43
Curtis Cool. Talk about we get what we need. I can't really talk about Step 11 as I am just due to do Step 4. I know that we should do all the steps in the right order, but I can't help doing the others as it just seems to be a natural process when I am sitting thinking of an evening. I was thinking about my HP only this morning and trying to think about what it actually is that I trust so completely in that I cannot feel or touch. I know that it comes from within and is what I feel in my heart and in the conscience that I seem to be developing on a daily basis. Its also where I get my peace of mind from
Member: ChrissiS
Location: uk - Milton Keynes
Date: 26 Sep 2002
Time: 08:18:54
Curtis Cool. Talk about we get what we need. I can't really talk about Step 11 as I am just due to do Step 4. I know that we should do all the steps in the right order, but I can't help doing the others as it just seems to be a natural process when I am sitting thinking of an evening. I was thinking about my HP only this morning and trying to think about what it actually is that I trust so completely in that I cannot feel or touch. I know that it comes from within and is what I feel in my heart and in the conscience that I seem to be developing on a daily basis. Its also where I get my peace of mind from
Member: Pat G.
Location: Annapolis, Md.
Date: 26 Sep 2002
Time: 13:31:20
Sitting still; being quiet! That's what this step means to me. When I was drinking, I could never sit still!! I was always running around; doing mindless things and into everyone else's business. Now, I can sit still and listen; that's the gift of this step. To be at peace with oneself and get the board meeting cleared out of your head; to not have to be in charge anymore! "To Let Go and Let God!"
Member: Laurie K.
Location: Winnipeg
Date: 26 Sep 2002
Time: 13:55:52
626 days sober - and finally...thank you Pat G. ...some good orderly direction!! I too could never sit still and be quiet - even in sobriety I find that very tough. Your sharing really hit home for me Pat. If I can mind my own business for just the next 24 hours and try not to be so busy trying to look busy, perhaps a little serenity can squeak in. Thank you for your experience, strength and hope.
Member: Jim P.
Location: Brookhaven, PA
Date: 26 Sep 2002
Time: 21:06:55
Hi everyone. My name is Jim & I'm an alcoholic. I'm very grateful to be sober, especially tonight as I reconnected w/this site & read all of the comments on the 11th Step. I've been practicing this step a lot lately as I'm due to be laid off soon. This Monday is my last day & because of AA & the rooms I'm able to cope & still see the glass as half full. I'm forever grateful to have the steps & God in my life as my emotional balance has been nothing short of baffling. I've never leaned on God & AA as much as I have recently. I knew the lay off was coming (had several months notice) and believe I'm well equipped to start a new adventure while staying sober. Thanks AA!
Member: Marshall R.
Location: Texas
Date: 27 Sep 2002
Time: 13:52:27
Hi, I'm Marshall, I'm an alcoholic/addict. Step 11 is such a beautiful step. It is interesting that most of what is written in step 11 in the Big Book has been moved to Step 10 in the 12x12, written some 13 years later. In the 12x12, there is a deeper focus on prayer and meditation. I don't hear much about meditation in meetings, but I can say that it helps me tremendously. One saying I've heard is that "prayer is talking to God, meditation is listening". Just the act of being quiet, listening, or reflecting on a prayer (e.g., the 11th step prayer on p.99, 12x12), helps. For one, it helps quiet "the committee" in my head and allows God to come in. It also helps me to be "present", that is, turns off my thoughts of the future and/or of the past. I live one day at a time, but I have to be present in this moment, now, to have a conscious contact with my higher power and to be able to take responsibility for my sobriety. I am so grateful for that. I'm a sick person trying to get well and my life, inside and out, keeps getting better and better. Thanks!
Member: Jean E.
Location: Oceanside, Ca.
Date: 27 Sep 2002
Time: 15:58:04
Hi All, Happy to be with you again. My new computer had problems with the Norton antivirus and has been at the shop for 3 weeks. Then it took another week to get on line. I have been sober 31 years. At this time, Step ll is my daily guide. Note that the step says "sought" through prayer and meditation, not "found" through prayer and meditation. That has always been a great comfort to me. My responsibility is only to seek. I was taught to use props for meditation. Sometimes I stay home for an evening just to be with my Higher Power. Lighting a candle and asking Him to draw near help me. Also, soft music or the "Monk Chant" tape so popular years ago are helpful. It's a matter of making myself as quiet as possible, just to enjoy His presence. Not asking for anything-just resting in His Peace. Daily when I am unsure of what to do, the end of each request for direction is "Thy Will not mine be done". That takes care of the "praying only for the knowledge of His will and the power to carry it out". Write back, I would love to hear from you.
Member: sandy s.
Location: new york
Date: 28 Sep 2002
Time: 19:41:39
Hi, I'm Sandy and I'm an alcoholic. For me that's the most important thing I can say today. I have to admit this to myself and God everyday and surrender in order to stay sober. I can never forget my last drunk and how I almost really died. To me it is a miracle I will have four years of sobriety next month. I absolutely cannot believe it, and I know in my heart God has done for me what I could not do for myself. I have definitely had a spiritual awakening and a complete change has taken place in myself as a person. The person I was before will drink again. I would not trade my worst moments today for the best I had when I was drinking. When I first came into AA and heard everyone say this I thought they were insane. I now realize by the grace of God that I was insane, and God has restored me to sanity (for today)I always thought alcohol was the answer to all my problems. I have replaced alcohol with the fellowship of AA and God as my solution to all my problems today. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: anonymous alcoholic (DOS 12/12/90)
Location: 2689 Ridgecrest Drive
Date: 29 Sep 2002
Time: 08:41:59
Step 11 is sometimes hard for me. I think I MAKE it harder than it needs to be. I was listening to a tape of an AA talk in Syndey and the speaker suggested to go somewhere quiet and just reflect on the many things you have to be thankful for. If you keep doing that for awhile, he said your Higher Power will come to you. Sounds simple enough. Thanks for letting me share here.