February 12, 2024 Preparing Our Hearts

How have we strayed from the 12 steps of Recovery? The biggest one for me is thinking I am in charge to avoid being patient to listen for the will of God (higher power) for my life. The beauty of the 12 steps is despite straying we are always welcome back.

This is reassuring. I may get off track from time to time, but I never forfeit my relationship with the 12-step program. Practicing the steps will always restore me to my rightful place with the people I love in my life and God. When I do this the celebration begins. There is no need to prostrate before God to restore my sanity. Practicing the steps brings joy to God because I am no longer lost, nor dead; I come to life again.

Today’s challenge to my readers. Set aside time each day to prepare our hearts to apply the steps in our daily activities. Is it possible we are seeking something that will never satisfy us? When we realize that what we longed for only deadens our hearts, we can return to re-establishing our relationship with the 12 steps. “Welcome home my good faithful servant.”

12 Steps to Health

  1. We dedicate ourselves to a lifestyle of Recovery; our lives have purpose and meaning.
  2. We believe a Power greater than ourselves is the path to hope, healing, and health.
  3. We choose to contemplate daily, how faith in our Higher Power and Recovery Community can bring us peace.
  4. We choose to educate ourselves and find the courage to strive for the highest level of health and well-being.
  5. We communicate our Plan of Recovery with our Higher Power, with ourselves, and with another human being.
  6. We allow our Higher Power to be the lighthouse in our lives.
  7. We humbly ask our Higher Power to reveal his unconditional love and ongoing presence within us.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. We continually review our Plan of Recovery with our Higher Power, support team, and those we trust.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

Peace

Larry

email:ljw@superhumanbeing.net

website: https://superhumanbeing.net/

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