I remember my ideals and dreams, and I pay attention to them. The Sixth Step is not about being controlled or coerced toward perfection, as my disease would have me believe. Rather, I prepare to become lighter: more fully me, more fully aware and living in my heart’s desire. ~ Voices of Recovery (Kindle Locations 2468-2470).

Were entirely ready
to have God remove
all these defects of character.
Sweep the house clean,
examine my defects,
willing them gone.
Act through the step
for I’m responsible
for taking the steps,
for securing my recovery.
Problem is, that doesn’t work!
If I could rid myself
of any tiny defect,
I long ago would have.
Prepare to become lighter.
Not to make myself lighter —
in weight or in obligation to be —
but simply prepare to be
knowing I can’t, trusting He can.