These are merely suggestions…
These are ways that I have worked these steps. I suggest these ways to do stepwork to my sponsees but it’s only one way to do it. I do suggest, however, you don’t try to take on stepwork until you have started working with a sponsor who has worked the steps, and has a sponsor themselves, and you have read the first 164 pages of the Big Book of AA, and get a copy of the Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions.
Step One Suggestion
The first step is:
We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable.
First, define the word “powerlessness,” look it up in the dictionary, but then put it in your own words–especially in terms of powerlessness over alcohol & drugs.
Second, define “unmanageability,” what it means for you that you are admitting your life had become unmanageable.
Finally, write out a comprehensive drinking and drugging history, keeping in mind your definitions for powerlessness, and unmanageability–give examples. Talk about times when the disease proved to be cunning, baffling, and powerful, and you drank or drugged when you hadn’t planned on it or didn’t want to, or you drank or drugged more than you wanted to. Also talk about consequences that resulted directly from your drinking or drugging–being drunk or high, or being hungover–be it physical, mental, social, financial, etc.
Do this with pen and a notebook.
Step Ten Suggestion
Spot Check:
- Who or what am I resentful or fearful of, or who did I harm?
- The cause, or the situation is…?
- Affects my (fear, self-esteem, security, personal relationship, sex relations, pride)…
- My part…
Nightly Inventory:
1. How was I helpful or kind to someone else today?
2. Do I need to share with someone else any jealousy, dishonesty, anger, fear, or selfishness or other secrets I am holding onto from the day?
3. What is one thing I could do better tomorrow, or do I owe anyone an apology?
4. Gratitude A. Something small, everyday, or mundane B. Something that happened by random chance C. Something that you made happen with your effort
5. Did I take time to connect with my higher power?