Become willing...

Have you ever heard of the concept of becoming willing?  Well, it is quite a concept to grasp and to actually undertake on a daily basis.  I learned of it when I first went through my divorce in 2000 at a support group and have been studying it ever since!  It is a wonderful and very "free-ing" concept once you get your head around it!!!

It is also Step 8 of the 12 Step program for Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon (Spouse Support Group of AA), Over Eaters Anonymous, and any other 12 Step program out there. 

Here is Step 8:
"Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all."
Can you imagine what our world would look like if each of us became willing to make amends when we hurt or injured another person in thought, word or deed?  Wow!  I like to think that our world would change dramatically if each person would truly be held accountable for their own actions every day.  It would be an amazing concept to teach others and to learn ourselves.  I wish the 12 Steps would be taught in every home, every school and every church around the globe because I believe this one step is so powerful!!!  Can you imagine if everyone who makes a mistake or even a minor bloop in something they have said or done and considered saying:  "I am sorry, I made a mistake.  Please forgive me."

This even means to say that to yourself, too......yep!  That's right!  YOU deserve some grace as well as whoever you might have harmed or hurt their feelings in the past. 

Think about it........become willing........to make amends....to see things from a different perspective.......from a different point of view........to ponder another path......to go where your mind and heart may have never been before.....incredible concept, isn't it???

And, if you want to take it one step farther, read Melody Beattie's The Language of Letting Go devotion for August 24th..........it is truly amazing to "set yourself free" from guilt, anxiety, struggle, and discord because you became willing to make amends for the tiniest thing.......to anyone........for anything.

Become willing.........would you consider trying it for a day, a week, a month?   I am!!! 
Go ahead....set yourself free!!!