Let’s focus on the wonder of Recovery. How amazing that people loved us so much that they created strategies and connections for us to heal. We willingly face our shortcomings and darkness in obedience to the 12 steps of Recovery. Recovery does not expect us to be perfect and fully mature to connect with others and go out into the world to share our journey of Recovery.
Instead, we are in this world sometimes helpless, and vulnerable, and may offer a ray of hope to others. Over the years, we have grown and matured through our active involvement in a Recovery program. We began our journey of healing by exploring the world around us learning why we feel sad or anxious and being bold to find people that can help us (support groups, therapy, employment, medicine, etc.).
I do my healing in the context of family, support groups, therapy, medicine, an author, exercise, and eating well. This has prepared me and readied me to carry out my message of healing to others. This inspired me to write my book “SuperHuman Being”, https://superhumanbeing.net
Working in a program such as the 12 Steps is very important to me. I also know it is not the only way to Recover. Whatever format you use be willing to heal with a supportive network of people.
Two questions to reflect on:
- What does Recovery expect from you?
- What do you expect from Recovery?
Whatever your response (there is no right or wrong) commit to taking action on your answer.
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net
12 Steps to Health
Hope ≈ Healing ≈ Health
- We dedicate ourselves to a lifestyle of Recovery; our lives have purpose and meaning.
- We believe a Power greater than ourselves is the path to hope, healing, and health.
- We choose to contemplate daily, how faith in our Higher Power and Recovery Community can bring us peace.
- We choose to educate ourselves and find the courage to strive for the highest level of health and well-being.
- We communicate our Plan of Recovery with our Higher Power, with ourselves, and with another human being.
- We allow our Higher Power to be the lighthouse in our lives.
- We humbly ask our Higher Power to reveal his unconditional love and ongoing presence within us.
- We acknowledge our behaviors have impacted our relationships. We list those affected by our behavior and whenever possible become willing to reconcile or thank them for their support during a relapse or mental health crisis.
- We seek mutual reconciliation for a harmful action we committed and seek forgiveness from those we harmed or were impacted by our behavior. Then, let go of our shame because it no longer serves a purpose in our lives, we understand we were designed because we are loved and to be in relationships with other people.
- We continually review our Plan of Recovery with our Higher Power, support team, and those we trust.
- We come to recognize our shortcomings during recovery, while discovering our Higher Power is the source of our strength and mercy, we learn to rely on our Higher Power for the courage to heal through prayer, reflection, mindfulness, and when necessary seek professional support.
- We gain insight into our recovery through our Higher Power as we model these steps, and share our journey toward hope, healing, and health with people.
Adapted From 12 Steps of Alcoholic/Depressed Anonymous by Larry Winter and Collene Spaeth
Revised: 6/5/20