George – Step 7 – Right Sized And The Bondage Of Self – 2009

About This Speaker Tape

George maps out the seventh step as a process of getting 'right-sized' after a lifetime of being a 'motorboat' of 'yeah buts.' He dismantles the idea that humility is groveling, instead framing it as the concrete act of 'chopping wood and carrying water'—making coffee, folding chairs, and calling another alcoholic. George traces his journey from a man who bargained with a Higher Power for money and tried to manipulate his wives into taking out the garbage, to a man who finds peace in the 'metamorphosis' of the steps. He works through the tension between wanting to be right and wanting to be happy, eventually finding a gritty, practical spirituality in the act of showing up for others even when he feels physically ill or emotionally reluctant.

The narrative culminates in the realization that his defects are not just flaws to be removed, but assets that allow him to be useful to the newcomer.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 George introduces the topic of humility and the 'right-sized' life.
• 4:15 Laughter: Discussion on the difference between a 'shortcoming' and a 'defect' (the 'little bit pregnant' analogy).
• 8:30 George explains the 'chop wood and carry water' approach to Step 7.
• 12:45 Analysis of the Serenity Prayer as a tool for letting go of control over others.
• 17:20 Story about Bob Welsh and the importance of calling someone to resolve a conflict.
• 22:10 George discusses the 'metamorphosis' that occurs between Step 6 and Step 7.
• 26:40 The 'garbage' story: a concrete example of character defects and misdirection.
• 31:15 The 'motorboat' metaphor and the struggle with self-will.
• 35:00 A long, rhythmic list of the assets and virtues gained through the Seventh Step.
• 38:20 Closing thoughts on the 'butterfly' metaphor and the grace of a Higher Power.