“We tried to carry this message to other alcoholics…”
The 12th and final step of 12-step recovery is jam-packed with recognition and guidance—a perfect blend of spirituality, service, and life direction. The funny thing is that it becomes the story's beginning, not the end. It loops us right back to step one and keeps us on the road to continuous recovery.
The transformation point reminds us of where we came from and guides us to where we need to be.
And where we came from was dark and dangerous. We outwardly reflected the where we sat inwardly: Unpredictable, angry, unstable, selfish, unreliable, edgy, bitter, vindictive. Part-time asshole, full-time egoist.
The fact is that we came into the program of Alcoholics Anonymous a hot mess. We were carrying a message that screamed f-off – that we existed for ourselves and were unapologetic of that position. This message was harsh and ugly but reflected how we saw the world at that time.
“Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps…”
An awakening is an understatement. We were totally transformed as a result of working the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. After an honest and intense rehabilitation of how we looked at ourselves and processed and responded, we became a thoroughly changed person.
Redeemed, reset, and rejuvenated, our path had been set consistent with our true north—for the first time in our lives. The transformation was set in motion, and our cry was to keep close to the practices and principles that had set us free.
We worked the 12 steps—not halfway, but with all we had in us. We learned the whole so as not to shortchange the next guy. What could be reflected is only what we possess.
We have seen some quit the drink yet maintain the shell of the old. And for us, the old evaded and escaped, deceived and judged. The old was miserable. Abstinence alone is not the answer; a core change is. We are either solid AA or half-baked and wholly squirrely.
“…and to practice these principles in all our affairs.”
As everything has changed, we think differently and act differently. We reflect a better way of life because we are living the benefits ourselves. Nobody learns to swim by reading a book. One needs to get in the pool to learn thoroughly.
Today, we reflect on our reality, with its wins and losses. People see that we are living differently because we are living differently—our rebirth is valid and authentic.
We can’t carry a message we don’t know thoroughly. To continuously learn, we schedule our meetings and wrap life around that schedule. We live to learn, grow, teach, and train.
Helping others is the magic, the superpower – leaving the realm of self to serve is the key to the revolution, and this goes against what the world teaches, which is to grab all you can for yourself!
We live this life together, carving out our one-hour blocks and piling on fellowship activity as a responsibility for self and others and valuable accountability. We then take that message to a world in need. Repeat.
Our message is for the hurting, not just the heaving. The program heals the whole. To give the miracle away is to get the miracle back tenfold. We love the math. The equation makes sense only to the enlightened: Legitimate and intentional giving produces an internal peace that transcends the world's pains.
This program has changed us on the inside and is noted by those on the outside. We are reflectors of the work that has gone into the renovation.
And where we came to is a lovely place of light. We outwardly reflect where we sit inwardly: Stable, loving, selfless, reliable, consistent, joyful, forgiving. Part-time student, full-time teacher
We have not completed nor perfected this makeover to date. We are a work in progress. But we hope we reflect hope. Our prayer and life mission is to share the gift with as many who come open and willing to do the work to get the result we reflect.
We reflect on that.
Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from a sober.coffee podcast #180 titled “Living the Big Book - time with Tim” … The podcast dropped on 9/4/2024. Click here to hear the podcast.
Photo by Yeshi Kangrang on Unsplash
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Alcoholics Anonymous and AA are registered trademarks of Alcoholics World Service. Inc. References to AA, the 12 steps, and 12 traditions does not mean that AA has reviewed or approved the contents of this publication nor that AA agrees with the views expressed herein. This publication is intended to support personal growth and should not be considered a substitute for healthcare professionals' advice. The author’s advice and viewpoints are their own.
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