JUNE 4 LETTING GO OF OUR OLD SELVES

Carefully reading the first five proposals we ask if we have
omitted anything for we are building an arch through
which we shall walk a free man at last. . . . Are we now
ready to let God remove from us all the things which we
have admitted are objectionable?
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, pp. 75, 76

The Sixth Step is the last "preparation" Step. Although I
have already used prayer extensively, I have made no
formal request of my Higher Power in the first Six Steps. I
have identified my problem, come to believe that there is a
solution, made a decision to seek this solution, and have
"cleaned house." I now ask: Am I willing to live a life of
sobriety, of change, to let go of my old self? I must
determine if I am truly ready to change. I review what I
have done and become willing for God to remove all my
defects of character; for in the next Step, I will tell my
Creator I am willing and will ask for help. If I have been
thorough in the preparation of my foundation and feel that I
am willing to change, I am then ready to continue with the
next Step. "If we still cling to something we will not let go,
we ask God to help us be willing." (Alcoholics Anonymous,
p. 76)