The Twelfth step, “Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all of our affairs.” Taking a look at this step I have found it best to break it down into three parts. First the spiritual awakening for me has come about as the result of numerous spiritual experiences. These experience continue to happen daily as I work this program. The second part of carrying the message to alkies, we do this in multiple ways. Sponsorship, 12 step calls, sharing with others, and especially living the principles this program has laid out for us.
The third part: practicing these principles in all of our affairs. This is how we deal with the rest of the world. Especially at the holidays. Very few of my family members understand this disease I have. In some ways they are just as spiritually sick as I have been. The biggest struggle after over 28 months of sobriety is the relationship with my mother. She is so angry all the time, not with me but the rest of the world. This anger and resentment affects the entire family. She doesn’t realize the extent her negativity reaches. Through this program I have learned ways to cope with her. Just because I am sober doesn’t mean everything in my world will be roses. By God’s grace I don’t have to be drunk anymore and spun out just to deal with my family. The big book tells us we must treat people as if they were sick. We must carry the message if it is only by not reacting in a negative way, or in relapsing into old behavior. We can manufacture misery without putting one in us.
We are not responsible for our disease, we are however responsible for our recovery. A major part of this is how we treat our fellow man. Trying not to cause harm which the 12&12,on pg 80, defines as ”the result of instincts in collision, which cause physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual damage to people.” Every uncomfortable situation is an opportunity to grow, and to try “practice these principles in all of our affairs.”
by joseph m.
Tags: help, 12th step, joey, family, family problems, cope with life, life after addiction, God's Grace, grace, sick, sick in the head
