Creative Choices – The 21 Steps
The 21 Steps Program was developed by Dr. Leo Fishbeck (a minister in the Science of Mind – Centers for Spiritual Living community) as an alternative for people who were not comfortable with the traditional twelve steps. Many people do not like the language of being ‘powerless,’ so Dr. Fishbeck reworded the process to include more empowering language in line with “New Thought” thinking.
Because of my commitment to make substantial improvements in my life, I promise to the best of my ability, to:
- Love myself just the way I am.
- Recognize that this is the most important moment of my life.
- Take full responsibility for my experiences, past and present, and release all temptation to blame others or myself for my difficulties.
- Honestly own all of my feelings and give consent to them.
- Be willing at all times to surrender to my Higher Power when tempted to indulge in destructive behavior.
- Understand the limitations of will power and let my higher power support me as I practice delaying instant gratification long enough to awaken my ability to make the choices that support my health and well-being.
- Define pain and struggle as indicators of my belief in separation and use them as reminders to focus my thoughts on my Oneness with all Life and to contemplate my relationship with my Higher Power.
- Establish frequent contacts with my Higher Power through meditation and prayer and be willing to listen to and practice trusting the still small voice from within.
- Treat my physical body with love and respect as if it was the temple of God.
- Complete unfinished business
- Conduct my personal and business affairs with the utmost integrity.
- Request from all my relationships, both personal and business, in a positive and harmonious manner, and that they relate to me from integrity.
- Frequently communicate with someone I respect and admire.
- Find ways to let my inner child play and create frequent opportunities to laugh.
- Work on a creative project that pushes me beyond my comfort zone, but something I love doing and share the results on a regular basis with others.
- Spend time visualizing myself living my fondest dreams and continually remind myself that my higher power has provided me with everything I need to bring them to fruition.
- Expand my appreciation and reverence for all life and express my love and respect for Mother Earth and all living things.
- Practice daily seeing God in every face I see.
- Be open and receptive to the love and kindness expressed to me by others.
- Return to the Source of my inspiration a generous portion of my harvest.
- Lend a helping hand to someone who needs my support.