Willingness
The key principle of Step Six is readiness. If we believe we are ready but find we are procrastinating, we need to consider each character defect more closely to see what is stopping us. In most cases we can find several factors that block us from being entirely ready. Paths to Recovery 65
It is this state of willingness that we seek in Step Six. We become willing to have our character defects removed, not just lessened or made milder. S-Anon Twelve Steps 63
Are we entirely ready? To continue, the answer must be ‘yes’. These two words, ‘entirely ready’ are not conditional—they are clear and concise in their instruction; we must commit to the action of having G-d remove our defects of character. Paths to Recovery 65
It was very clear to me at the time that this particular character defect needed to be removed. Other times I don’t have that clarity, but through working the steps I have come to a place of willingness where I try to notice the shortcomings in myself that separate me from G-d and others. Reflections of Hope 287
The driving force in our life today is a tremendous willingness to do whatever it takes to heal. How Al-Anon Works 54
We also need to cultivate the willingness to change. How Al-Anon Works 77
By acting on our willingness, we make room for a Power greater than ourselves to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. How Al-Anon Works 103
All that is required of me is some willingness. How Al-Anon Works 244
Action
Without true unconditional acceptance of Step Three, the action of Step Six is impossible. Paths to Recovery 65
At the same time, we must take some action. Sitting back and behaving in all the same old ways while asking G-d to remove the defects is not effective. We cannot continue to do the same thing over and over and expect different results. Paths to Recovery 73
We are not powerful enough to remove our defects of character, but we came to believe in a power greater than ourselves, and we are willing to have our Higher Power remove our defects. All we do is present ourselves to our Higher Power with a willing heart. S-Anon Twelve Steps 63
… the Steps are ‘action’ Steps, and each one has a crucial role to play in the process of recovery. How Al-Anon Works 43
‘G-d, guide my thoughts, and let these guide my actions.’ ODAT 59
Success with the Al-Anon programme demands that we think, honestly and in depth, about our attitudes, evaluating our words and actions. ODAT 129
Change is a collaborative process. From Survival to Recovery 178
G-d’s role
With G-d’s help, we can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. How Al-Anon Works 56
G-d can do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. How Al-Anon Works 56
… the only guidance worth praying for is knowledge of the will of G-d. How Al-Anon Works 62
A new belief system is emerging in which I honestly feel that there is a G-d who cares, a G-d who can help me to have the courage to change the things I can and accept the rest. How Al-Anon Works 243
Resistance
The key to Al-Anon is to accept and use the programme without any of the ‘Yes, buts’ that would reveal only my resistance and uncertainty. ODAT 200
Step Six
We are carrying a lot of excess baggage such as resentments, fear, jealousy, self-pity, dishonesty, and blaming. We realise this excess baggage has been a terrible burden to us and that now would be a good time to let it go. Paths to Recovery 68
At first when I tried to work this Step, I thought I needed to remake myself. I thought I would have to really work … Then it was pointed out to me that I am not G-d. All this step asks is that I become ready or willing to have G-d remove all of my defects of character. Paths to Recovery 68–69
Steps Four and Five lead us to uncover our character defects. We face them, write them out, and share them with another person without self-condemnation. In Step Six we become entirely ready to have G-d remove these defects. This is not to imply that we must become perfectly ready, but we must be willing and open-minded. S-Anon Twelve Steps 63
Though working the Steps Six and Seven, I am experiencing many of these character defects being removed by my Higher Power. Reflections of Hope 90
Step Seven
We know we don’t have to beg or demand things from G-d. We simply ask. We learn to trust G-d’s way and pace as we go about our business. Paths to Recovery 72
It is important to remember that all of our defects will probably not disappear immediately. We will always fall short of perfection; that’s part of being human. Even after repeatedly praying for their removal, we will find that old behaviours and thinking may stay with us. Recovery is a process, and there is no quick fix for what ails us … Turn to our Higher Power for help, again and again. This is true humility. Paths to Recovery 73
Our job is to cooperate with G-d and then move on to Step Eight. Paths to Recovery 74
In Step Seven, we find a way to settle our emotional turmoil and make a move towards G-d. S-Anon Twelve Steps 73
As we approach Step Seven, most of us have learned to call on G-d in times of great need. We really have begun to desire humility, instead of just accepting it as something we should want. S-Anon Twelve Steps 74
Step Seven requires faith … S-Anon Twelve Steps 74
By the time we are ready and willing to take Step Seven, we have built some trust in our Higher Power, and we are developing a spiritual life and relationship with G-d as we understand him. S-Anon Twelve Steps 75
Higher Power ultimately in charge
Spiritually, we are faced with asking our Higher Power—not our friends, Al-Anon members, minister, or sponsor—to help us. This is a one-on-one relationship between ourselves and the G-d of our understanding. Paths to Recovery 66
I pictured G-d removing all of my defects very suddenly and making me a completely different person. It didn’t happen that way for me. Paths to Recovery 69
Our Higher Power knows better than we do the extent and timing of each change that is right for us. Paths to Recovery 73
Characteristics we find totally unacceptable may have a useful purpose in the universe. From Survival to Recovery 179
Can or will G-d remove these defects of character? The answer is an affirming YES! G-d has done this for many people in Twelve-Step recovery all over the world, but G-d always respects our free will. S-Anon Twelve Steps 63
Only G-d could remove our defects of character. S-Anon Twelve Steps 74
Humility
When we are humble, we are totally willing to accept G-d’s help, knowing that without it we cannot progress further. Paths to Recovery 72
This can be defined as knowing what is ours to do and accepting realistically our proper place in the universe, then letting G-d do G-d’s job. From Survival to Recovery 179
Becoming ‘entirely ready to have G-d remove all these defects of character’ is one of the most beneficial processes we will go though in our lifetime. S-Anon Twelve Steps 63
It takes a brave person to step unarmed into the arena of the unknown, desiring only to relate to G-d and others with honesty and intimacy for the first time. Reflections of Hope 140
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