Al-Anon daily reflection ·
The Foundation of Experience
In order to work Step Ten, the experience I acquired in the nine Steps that led up to it showed me what I needed.
Step Ten keeps the principles I have been learning in daily use. Honesty helps me see my part, willingness helps me face it, and the practice of making amends helps me correct it. My previous experience showed me exactly what I needed: a new way of living, based on spiritual principles.
This quote grounds my daily maintenance in the entire foundation of recovery. Step Ten is not a solitary task; it is the daily application of all the lessons I've learned about my defects, my powerlessness, and my need for a Higher Power. When my Step Ten feels difficult, I can ask which principle or earlier Step could help me. The maintenance Steps require the entire toolbox.
Practice
I will reflect on a recent success I had in Step Ten (a quick apology, a moment of detachment). I will trace that success back to the specific principles of one of the previous nine Steps that made it possible (e.g., admitting powerlessness, praying for removal of fear).
Today’s Reminder
The earlier Steps are not behind me; they are with me today.
