Step 6 — Ready for Change – Matt T. – New England Big Book Workshop Weekend – 2020

About This Speaker Tape

Matt and Donna dismantle the friction of Steps Six and Seven, moving from the wreckage of a 'disease of perception' to a state of spiritual utility. Matt maps out the shift from being a 'producer of confusion'—a man who once viewed the homeless as people who simply made bad decisions—to a father who now instinctively feeds the hungry. He describes the grueling process of 'fact-facing' his own patterns, including a surprising addiction to gossip and a history of financial selfishness.

Donna echoes this, tracing her journey from a prideful, impatient woman who rolled her eyes at the gym to someone who now embraces the 'uncomfortability' of change. Together, they argue that willingness is the only currency the alcoholic has to offer, allowing a Higher Power to replace self-will and ego with a capacity for compassion and integrity.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Introduction and announcement of donations for the Wilson House in Vermont.
• 2:15 Matt discusses the 'fact-finding' and 'fact-facing' process of Step Six.
• 5:40 Matt defines his alcoholic thinking as a 'disease of perception' and a 'producer of confusion'.
• 8:20 Laughter: Matt admits his love for gossip and the desire to keep his 'ladies man' persona.
• 12:10 Matt shares the story of the Target nail clipper and the concept of 'stark truth' as humility.
• 16:45 Matt describes his past selfishness with money and time, and his shift toward serving the homeless in NYC.
• 20:10 Matt shares a poignant moment with his son regarding feeding the hungry.
• 24:30 Donna begins her share, discussing the 'uncomfortability' of Step Six and Seven.
• 28:15 Donna discusses her struggle with forgiveness and the need to stop blaming others to avoid facing her own truth.
• 32:40 Donna describes her 'default' impatience and the internal conflict at the gym.
• 36:10 Donna reflects on the transformation from a 'master of confusion' to a woman of integrity.
• 39:00 Donna's closing thoughts on compassion and the grace of a Higher Power.