Thought for today:
The first three steps lead us to trust. Powerless over unsecured debt, we need to trust that DA can guide us to sane living.
Steps 4-9 are like housecleaning, because with them we take a close look at our lives, keeping what makes sense, and discarding what doesn’t bring joy and fulfillment.
We continue to clean house with Step 10, and learn to trust deeper in Step 11.
With Step 12 we pass this new way of life on to others who suffer from compulsive debting.
A member shares:
“After years of credit cards and eventual bankruptcy, I had nowhere to turn. It was then that I got a sponsor in DA and began to take The Steps.
“DA told me to develop a Spending Plan that took care of my needs first. That wasn’t easy, because I felt so guilty and ashamed. But I eventually forced myself to set aside a little money for personal care, health insurance and medicine. Those things had gone away for a long time.
“I used to put my credit card payments first, but I now see how damaging that was to my health. After taking a debt moratorium, and learning how to care for myself responsibly,
“I negotiated with my creditors, and made plans that took care of my needs first. It was the hardest thing I ever did, but the letters and phone calls to creditors helped me build my new life.”
What do the Steps do for us?
Spiritual development in DA is a process of “trusting”, “housecleaning”, and “passing it on” to others. Having had a spiritual awakening, (for we were asleep, in a way) we have found a valuable formula for living that works through tough times.
We look at our use of credit, our spending, and our relationships. We shed light on our old behaviors, and we learn to let go of unwanted character defects. We care for neglected relationships, we make repayment plans. We recreate the life we always wanted to live, with the help of the fellowship.
Ask:
Am I ready to let go of my difficulties with debting?
Meditations for today:
Loving starts with self-care. Gently working love into our day, we find spiritual renewal.
When we express selfless love, we do not know how things will turn out, but we know it will transform everything it touches.
Affirmation for today:
“I have a right to take care of myself. My self-care includes a spending plan that cares for my needs first. If anyone tells me I am selfish, I will thank them for sharing, for it’s a sign I’m on the right path.”
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