At the close of this wonderful Mother’s Day, I sit in contemplation of my day and its events. This is the time of my day when I work my 10th Step, which suggests
Step 10: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.”
Where and when have I been selfish? Did I lie to anyone? Did I intentionally people-please, or say something to cover-up my real feelings? Have I been present and willing to experience closeness with my family and friends? Have I sought the place where I am able to be of use to my fellows? Did I thank my Higher Power for my abstinence today? Am I grateful?
Of course, on a special day like Mother’s Day, I ask myself even more direct questions: How are my living amends to my mother going? Do I listen to her? Do my actions show her that I love her? Am I emotionally available for and to her? Have I thought of her needs and wants today, instead of just my own?
The miracle of recovery is that I can answer those questions in a way that I was unable to for many years prior to working the 12 Steps. My relationship with my mother, which was once rocky and unstable, is now filled with love, honor, and acceptance. The co-dependent rope has been broken. We are both free to be ourselves and to accept each other – the good and the bad.
Happy Mother’s Day everyone! The promises of recovery are real and true. See you at the next meeting!
