Thursday, October 17th
We cannot think ourselves into recovery.
The Twelve Steps outline a simple program of action that may help us heal from sexual compulsion. The principles of the Steps can guide us, using other tools to nourish our recovery.
Most of us admit that our sexual compulsion had narrowed our vision until we focused mainly on finding the next fix of validation, connection, or excitement. Using the Steps can help us experience a spiritual change. We begin to realize that our self-worth does not need to depend on the next hook-up, obsession, or porn binge.
Working and living the Steps can provide a path to self-love and acceptance: first, by admitting our powerlessness, then by learning to trust our Higher Power. We take inventory, identify our character defects, and ask for our Higher Power’s help in removing them. We may then restore healthy relationships with others. We strengthen our recovery by doing service for the sexual compulsive who still suffers.
The recovery process can open us up to be vigorous advocates for ourselves and other people. We may uncover new levels of emotion that we formerly repressed. Slowly, we learn to recognize, trust, and express genuine feelings.
Living the Steps has helped me to accept myself and others.