Step Six: “Become entirely ready to have God remove all your character weaknesses."
Willingness is the key in this step. I have not had a moment in my life, in which I have asked my higher power to remove all of my defects of character. I clearly understand that without asking for the help and being willing to do the work needed to change, I will not be freed from the bondage that is associated with my defects of character. I also understand that after working on and writing about my sixth step, that I have the rest of my life to increase my willingness. This is not to say that I want to remain stuck, however just to say that freedom is not free. My defects of character have helped me to navigate through life, at times (I think), that I’m ready to ask for the removal of them all. Then suddenly, I act out on about three of them at once. I may or may not be aware of the behavior instantly, however, I do check in with myself at the end of my day and explore my overall behavior. I want to gain a clearer insight spiritually and see my defects of character flaring up, before I act out on them. The only way that this can happen, is for me to continue my recovery and maintain open mindedness.
-Christine, PILLARS Member