We are in the 12th month of this year, so that means, in our 12-Step program, we are on Step 12. We usually focus on one step per month throughout the year, then start again on Step 1 at the beginning of the year.
Step 12:
“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry the message to others who still suffer, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
While sitting in a meeting the other day, I had a new realization that had never crossed my mind before in all my years of sobriety. It was about the 12th Step—The 12th step is the greatest “closing statement” in the case for why we take the 12 steps in recovery—in three parts. The court of public opinion wants to think that when we stop drinking/using and complete the steps, that we are “fixed!”
This is laughable for those of us who take recovery seriously.
The three parts to the 12th Step:
1.) Now, as the result of taking the 12 Steps, we have had a spiritual awakening. As we review what needs to be changed in us while taking the steps, we come to a new understanding, an awakening, if you will. That we are not doing this alone, or under our own power.
2.) We carry the message to others who still suffer—we can’t give away what we don’t have, so we actually have to take the steps to receive the benefit—so we can now give it away. Guide another through The Steps.
3.) Then, we keep practicing them daily. Then we start over with the steps in our own lives and with the people we are guiding. My recovery is ongoing.
The most important thing about this 12th Step closing statement is that it leaves the door wide open for us to continue on the path for our growth. Keep practicing. We are not finished. It’s never finished. Our growth and learning is ongoing and continuous.
• Spiritual result.
• Carry the message to others.
• Keep practicing daily—ongoing.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
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