But it gives us the tools to deal with our problems and to continually work to improve ourselves.
The beautiful promise of recovery is not that all problems disappear, but that we develop healthy ways to respond. Before Al-Anon, my only tool was predict, prevent and control the problem. Now, I have a fully stocked toolbox: powerlessness, inventory, forgiveness, prayer. Step Ten guides me to actually use them.
It means not just having the tools, but applying them continually to improve myself. When a problem arises, I now have a spiritual process: Take a breath, turn it over, and ask what I missed in my recent inventory. This cost me my ability to blame others because it places the focus squarely back on my own response and improvement. The ongoing challenge is choosing the effort of using the tool over the comfort of the familiar defect.
Practice
Today, when I face a minor irritation, I will mentally label it: 'This is an opportunity to use a tool.' I will choose one tool (e.g., Detachment, Sponsorship) and consciously apply it instead of reacting.
Today’s Reminder
Step Ten helps me use new tools on old problems.
