“If You Want to Make the World a Better Place, Take a Look at Yourself And … ” – Step 6

Smooth Operator sketch of Michael Jackson dancing w/ sfz title

“Change, even wonderful, positive change, almost always involves some grief for the old ways of life we are letting go, even if  that way of life kept us miserable.” (Al Anon Works, How & Why, p. 88)

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Where have you demonstrated the willingness for change in your life, lately?

OR

Why do you think changing ourselves first helps to make the world better?

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Man in the Mirror (Micheal Jackson) (5:02)

How to Make the Secret Work for YOU (7:21)

Aakhan Jor by Kaur – the Great Surrender Meditation (7:25)

English Analysis

Today’s Zonr post emphasizes willingness and change as central to personal growth. In Step Six, willingness represents more than desire. It reflects action toward transformation.

Carl Jung argued that change requires integrating shadow and light within oneself. He believed self-awareness unlocks freedom. Likewise, the Basic Text insists sincerity determines how effectively we embrace transformation.

Furthermore, Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search for Meaning taught that humans can choose meaning even amid suffering. His insight aligns with Al Anon Works, which notes grief accompanies change, even positive change. This grief shows our attachment to what harms us.

Michael Jackson’s lyrics in Man in the Mirror echo these principles. He stresses the urgency of inner change before seeking external reform. His art reminds us that closed hearts also close minds.

Together, these voices underline one truth: change is possible when willingness meets responsibility. Growth demands courage, honesty, and humility. Moreover, grief does not weaken us. It prepares us to welcome freedom.

Change is therefore a moral and spiritual task. It requires us to look inward, acknowledge pain, and still act with hope. In this way, willingness transforms desire into destiny.


Spanish Translation

Citas

“Si quieres hacer del mundo un lugar mejor, mírate a ti mismo y …” – Paso 6

“Mientras más grande la disposición, más grande la …” – El Texto Básico, p. 34

“Cambiar, incluso cambios maravillosos y positivos, casi siempre incluye duelo por las viejas formas de vida …” – Al Anon Works, How & Why, p. 88

“Si quieres hacer del mundo un lugar mejor, mírate a ti mismo y haz el cambio.
Debes hacerlo bien mientras tengas tiempo.
Porque cuando cierras tu corazón, no puedes cerrar tu mente.” – Michael Jackson (1958–2009), artista


Análisis en Español

Las citas subrayan la disposición y el cambio como bases del crecimiento personal. En el Paso Seis, la disposición representa más que un deseo. Refleja acción hacia la transformación.

Carl Jung afirmó que el cambio exige integrar la sombra y la luz dentro de nosotros. Creía que la autoconciencia abre la libertad. De igual forma, el Texto Básico insiste que la sinceridad determina la eficacia del cambio.

Además, Viktor Frankl en El Hombre en Busca de Sentido enseñó que podemos elegir significado incluso en el sufrimiento. Su visión conecta con Al Anon Works, que reconoce el duelo en el proceso de cambio, incluso positivo. Ese duelo muestra nuestro apego a lo que nos daña.

Las letras de Michael Jackson en Man in the Mirror reflejan lo mismo. Él insiste en la urgencia del cambio interior antes del externo. Su arte recuerda que un corazón cerrado también cierra la mente.

En conjunto, estas voces señalan una verdad: el cambio llega cuando la disposición se une con la responsabilidad. El crecimiento exige valor, honestidad y humildad. El duelo no nos debilita. Nos prepara para recibir libertad.

Por lo tanto, el cambio es una tarea moral y espiritual. Exige mirar adentro, reconocer el dolor y actuar con esperanza. De esta manera, la disposición convierte el deseo en destino.

Pregunta: ¿Por qué piensas que cambiar primero nosotros mismos ayuda a mejorar el mundo?

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Comments

8 responses to ““If You Want to Make the World a Better Place, Take a Look at Yourself And … ” – Step 6”

  1. Elexi W.S.A. Avatar

    I think I’ve shown the willingness for change by being here at a sober living really wanting to stay away from those households where using can sometimes be right in our faces, and start tempting our minds. No one is all the time perfect or if at all, but it’s how we strive for that change that keeps our hopes alive that we can stick recovery/abstinence out.

  2. Eli🌱🫶🏾🫡🪱 Avatar
    Eli🌱🫶🏾🫡🪱

    The only thing I can control is myself. To change the world I must change myself- my words, attitudes, and actions. I cannot control how someone else thinks. Only how I act.

  3. Sabrina J Avatar
    Sabrina J

    External is illusion, I have no control over it. Separation is illusion, everything is interconnected and a part of the whole. While this is on face value a paradox, it is rooted in the truth that sames when I change myself, I change the world. Be what I want to see in the world.

    Thank you for sharing recovery with me. Grateful.

  4. E-Dawg Avatar
    E-Dawg

    The new person, the person changed, is a much better friend, a person who is now willing to do the necessary step work to change for the better. Someone who can now step out of self and help someone else. Someone they can count on. The new person can can contribute to making the world a better place

  5. Adam Avatar
    Adam

    I’ve been calling my sponsor almost every day since about 2 weeks after I decided to stop drinking. I’ve been doing the work that I’ve been directed to do. I can be stubborn, but overall I’ve been willing to do the work and show up. And change has come. Buying my first house, dating someone new, I’m generally happier, and my relationships with friends, coworkers, and family are better.

  6. Margot E. Avatar
    Margot E.

    Someone told me that the only constant is change. Change will always happen; sometimes my response to change is grief. When my mother died a few years ago and I was in deep grief, a friend simply remarked, “You know, Margo, this grief is your choice. You can feel whatever you choose.” Well, I wanted to do her great bodily harm and the truth was she was right. So, at times I could choose to celebrate my mom and all the wonderful things she gave me and taught me. I danced twice that week after she died. I danced to celebrate my mother.

  7. JB jr. Avatar
    JB jr.

    I sooo agree. If people don’t get too close they cant hurt you. Plus, I really don’t want to hurt other people and I tend to be “proactive” and strike first, when I get a wiff of the relationship ending. And that usually makes sure it ends with a quickness.

    I am going to start praying for willingness to be more present and not always acting on what might be.

  8. easy does it Avatar
    easy does it

    Grief, anxiety, the old familiar friends… big reason i have never allowed anyone to get close to me.. just the ones who use and hurt me… awareness is a big step in getting off that painful treadmill. to lead a better life for myself and others, change is very difficult. grief is in letting go, never been able to let go… i think i can if i continue in the steps…

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