“Why so serious?” — Joker
Since taking Step Three, we’ve been feeling more connected, and we want to go further in the program, so we’re willing to take a real look in the mirror and inspect our old ways. Now realizing that our own self-centeredness blocks us off from God, where have we been rigid and controlling, taking ourselves way too seriously, quick to blame others and avoid responsibility, demanding things be done our way, needing to control conversations or one-up people, having a hard time celebrating someone else’s success, and taking more than we give? Not exactly a highlight reel for successful long-term relationships.
In Step Three, we traded our self-will, which is our power, for something bigger, a Higher Power. We’re ready to take a look at all the resentments we’ve collected, the ones that have been rotting us from the inside out. This isn’t about beating ourselves up, it’s about getting honest so we can get free.
One day at a time, we’ve started trying to be more others-centered instead of self-centered, and it’s actually working. Thinking about other people gets a little easier, and the world doesn’t feel like it’s closing in on us as much. Now we’re ready to take it a step further, not just noticing our self-centeredness, but really seeing how it’s shaped our lives, our relationships, and the messes we’ve found ourselves in. No shame, no more drama, just an honest look.
Where in your life are you still taking yourself too seriously?
