October 8 – Sweep, Don’t Shovel
“Every time a person imposes his instincts unreasonably upon others, unhappiness follows. Demands for too much attention, protection, and love can invite only domination or revulsion. When an individual’s desire for prestige becomes uncontrollable, other people suffer and often revolt.”-As Bill Sees It – #282 “Instincts Run Wild”
Step 10 is where I find out my ego still does push-ups in the dark. It doesn’t kick down the door anymore — it sneaks in wearing a volunteer badge. One minute I’m helping someone, the next I’m quietly auditioning for sainthood. Good service work — real service work — is like the perfect crime: you get in, do your thing, and nobody even knows you were there. That’s the sweet spot.
Self-centeredness still flares up when I least expect it, especially when I think I’m doing something “good.” Step 10 gives me a flashlight and a broom. I don’t need to fix everything — I just need to notice where I tracked in a little ego and sweep it up before it starts to stink.
Where have you noticed your ego sneaking in lately — even when you were trying to do something good?
