Step 6: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”

For Type 6s, working Step 6 involves confronting their fears, anxieties, and tendencies toward doubt and suspicion. They need to become ready to let go of their reliance on security, their tendency to be overly cautious, and their habitual worry. This step is about preparing to relinquish these patterns and trusting in a higher power or the recovery process.

Here’s a detailed approach for Type 6s to work Step 6:

1. Identify Your Defects of Character

Questions to ask:

• What specific fears or anxieties have I recognized in my Step 4 inventory that affect my relationship with food and self-care?
• How do my tendencies toward suspicion or seeking security manifest in my behaviors and thought patterns?
• What are the core defects of character that drive my anxiety, doubt, or need for control?

Example:

• You might identify that your constant worry about potential threats and your need for security have led you to overeat as a way to feel more in control or comforted.

2. Reflect on the Impact of These Defects

Steps to take:

• Consider the Effects: Reflect on how your fears and anxieties have impacted your eating habits and overall well-being. How have these defects created obstacles in your recovery journey?
• Acknowledge Harm: Recognize the harm these patterns have caused to yourself and others. Consider how your need for security and control has affected your relationships and self-care.

Example:

• Reflect on how your fear of uncertainty has led you to overeat or avoid certain foods, and how this pattern has created tension in your relationships and hindered your recovery progress.

3. Assess Your Willingness to Change

Steps to take:

• Evaluate Readiness: Determine your willingness to let go of these defects. Are you ready to face the discomfort of change and trust that things will improve?
• Explore Fears: Identify any fears or doubts you have about releasing your need for control or security. What concerns do you have about letting go of these patterns?

Example:

• You may feel apprehensive about giving up your need for constant security and control, worried that without these defenses, you might feel vulnerable or exposed.

4. Seek Support and Guidance

Steps to take:

• Consult with a Sponsor or Mentor: Share your readiness to work on these defects with a sponsor or trusted advisor. Seek their support and guidance in navigating your fears and staying committed.
• Use Reflective Tools: Engage in practices such as journaling, meditation, or prayer to deepen your understanding of your willingness to change and to seek guidance from a higher power.

Example:

• Discuss your concerns with your sponsor about losing your safety nets and ask for their advice on managing your fears and developing trust in the recovery process.

5. Develop an Action Plan

Steps to take:

• Set Specific Goals: Create actionable goals for addressing your defects. This might include practicing letting go of control, building trust in others, and finding healthy ways to manage anxiety.
• Create a Plan: Outline steps to implement these goals, such as developing coping strategies for anxiety and learning to trust in the process of recovery.

Example:

• Set a goal to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage your anxiety. Create a plan to gradually release control in certain areas of your life and seek support when you feel overwhelmed.

6. Practice Trust and Self-Compassion

Steps to take:

• Cultivate Trust: Work on trusting the process of recovery and your higher power. Remind yourself that it’s okay to let go of control and embrace uncertainty.
• Be Compassionate: Practice self-compassion and acknowledge that change is challenging. Be kind to yourself as you work through your fears and anxieties.

Example:

• Develop affirmations to reinforce your trust in the recovery process and in your own ability to handle uncertainty. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your efforts and progress, even when facing setbacks.

Summary

For Type 6s, working Step 6 involves recognizing and becoming willing to release defects related to their fears, anxieties, and need for control. This step requires Type 6s to reflect on the impact of these patterns, assess their readiness for change, seek support, and develop a practical plan for letting go. By cultivating trust in the recovery process and practicing self-compassion, Type 6s can work towards overcoming their anxieties and embracing a more balanced approach to their recovery journey.