02 Jul 7th Step is About Letting Go

The 6th Step is all about identifying your character challenges.  Character challenges are behaviors unique to you that get in the way of being your best self. Some examples might be jealousy, anxiety, isolation, assuming, selfishness, blaming others and etc.  After identifying these challenges, the 7th Step focuses on releasing these behaviors.  You may have developed these behaviors to best adapt to your circumstance growing up, or adjusting in your adult life.  They serviced a purpose and now they are no longer useful.

I look at the 7th Step as a way to let go and let God.  Let go of ruminating thoughts, jealousy, resentment, defenses and etc.  These thoughts and behaviors have no healthy purpose for you any longer.  They take up space in your mind.  And it’s time to let them go.

You and I both have short comings.  You have done things in your past where you hurt others or yourself.  It’s important to forgive yourself and let it go.  It’s time to move on with life.  Letting go of regrets and resentments.  This extra baggage overwhelms you and takes up space in your life.

It’s important to recognize when your shortcomings come up in your daily life.  When they do, use a skill to opposite the behavior.  Forgive yourself if you fall back into old patterns.  You don’t have to beat yourself up.  The consequence of your behavior may be enough. Forgive yourself for being human and make commitments to do better.  That’s all you can do.  And that’s a lot.

I have began reading a book called, Emotional Intelligence, by Daniel Coleman.  He writes about how to lead and communicate with others using Emotional Intelligence.  This set of skills allows for greater empathy for others, and it’s a strength-based leading style.  I’ve just began the book.  I’m enjoying it.  I am able to see there are better ways to interact with people.  It’s important to improve yourself in order to have better outcomes.  I don’t think it’s enough to just identify a behavior or to release it to “God.”  The next step is improve yourself by gaining education to be a better you.  You can’t learn from your best understanding.  We all need outside information and support.

What’s your thoughts about the 7th Step?  What’s your understanding of how to apply the 7th Step?  I look forward to your comments.