More Humility

Tonight’s meeting was on the 9^th Step: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

From  the Seventh Step in the 12x12

Indeed, the attainment of greater humility is the founda­tion principle of each of A.A.’s Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Nearly all A.A.’s have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven’t much chance of becoming truly happy. Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.

Humility, as a word and as an ideal, has a very bad time of it in our world. Not only is the idea misunderstood; the word itself is often intensely disliked. Many people haven’t even a nodding acquaintance with humility as a way of life. Much of the everyday talk we hear, and a great deal of what we read, highlights man’s pride in his own achievements.

Making amends to people I have wronged has helped me let go of a dysfunctional false pride and acquire more humility.  Making financial amends where I owe money helps me to feel like a much more responsible and participating member of society—on the inside instead of on the outside looking in.

I am grateful for the release from false pride that allows me to be more humble and thus happier and emotionally well-adjusted.  Progress, not perfection.