Appropriate Interruptions

The tenth step helps us monitor ourselves which helps us interrupt any behaviors, recurring thoughts, ruminations, big feelings or chaos that might disrupt our recovery. The elements suggested for an effective tenth step include:

1. A daily inventory format that is manageable, habitual and effective for reviewing our strengths and weaknesses. Some people recommended doing this twice a day - first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If you can only do one, then I recommend a nightly inventory just so you catch anything that you might be tempted to ignore from the day’s events.

2. This daily habit helps us recognize (eventually) in real time our strengths and weaknesses. Of course, there are times when I may recognize that I am about to behave in a way that is not healthy but I seem unable to stop myself. This is a program of progress, not perfection. It is REAL progress to become more self-aware!

3. A daily inventory develops the habits necessary to enforce the key principles of a recovery program. Done thoroughly, it keeps us honest. It helps us notice when we are accepting responsibility for our life and when we fall short. We also spot those times when we need to adjust our treatment of others. Respecting others in all their affairs is an important tenet of a decent recovery program. It also helps us pay attention to our service work.

4. A written daily inventory provides us with a history of our work to build on our strengths and attend to our weaknesses.

There are many formats for completing a tenth step. I hope you will be inspired during this season of self-quarantine to experiment and find one that works for you. Or, as my youngest suggested, start watching Survivor. I personally am a big fan of Step 10.