In elementary school, we are taught things like reading, writing, and arithmetic. Later, we move on to subjects such as geography, biology, and literature. And in college, we study areas that are meant to get us ready for the world after school.
Learning how to learn is good, and some of those school topics may be useful at times. But none of them prepare us for many of the most critical challenges we will face.
What we need is a course in real life.
Life Improvement Steps
Ten years ago was a bleak season for my family. We went through some tough times where everything seemed to be going wrong, and many days were marked by fear and desperation.
Later, I would refer to that period as the Dark Ages. I never want to go through anything like that again. But, looking back, it seems as if it was meant to happen, because those times changed my life.
My struggle with alcohol and issues with other family members led to a lot of time in recovery meetings. There, I learned about the Twelve Steps and how they have been used successfully in recovery by millions of people. What I later found out was that these steps also provide some of the best tools ever developed for living in a satisfying and effective manner.
The more I experienced, the more I wondered: “Why isn’t everybody learning this stuff?”
I still think that, because the world’s best recovery program also provides solid, Biblically-based spiritual guidance. And practical principles that can help anyone live more effectively each day.
I saw that these life improvement steps truly are a course in real life.
A Course in Real Life
Just how useful and practical are the Twelve Steps? Over the years, I have written and taught on dozens of applications of these time-proven principles in the areas of:
- Emotional Well-Being: dealing with tough times and brokenness; developing resilience; recovery from and preventing addiction; enhanced self-awareness; and better relationships.
- Spiritual Wisdom: understanding God and faith; charting a personal path for spiritual growth; making choices and trusting God; finding our calling; and exploring Christianity.
- Personal Effectiveness: how to live intentionally; navigating marriage and parenting; achieving success at work; leadership in business; establishing a life plan; managing money; and finding peace and purpose day-to-day.
The Steps help us along a daily journey to a better life. They provide proven techniques anyone can use as guidance for everyday situations. Step by step, we can learn a new way of living that will bring us greater peace, joy, and purpose and improve our lives, one day at a time.
That sounds like a course in real life to me. One anyone could benefit from, if they are willing.
Question: Are you willing to spend time learning new life improvement steps?
Action: For a course in real life, use the articles in the STEPS Journey Blog.
