Knowing and implementing the 12-steps of healing offers us hope. We are invited into the loving care and closeness of our brokenness, not fitting in with people, and the stigma that exists in our communities. The 12-steps call-out to those who support people with a mental health condition, addiction, and trauma to remember us who are trampled down on, senselessly harmed, and viewed as just taking up space.
There are advocates in our communities who tell of the great power of those of us striving to heal. We who embrace healing fear not, those who support us see our beauty, and we do not judge each other unnecessarily.
As we bring our cares and troubles to the 12-steps we may not receive answers to our desires immediately but the 12-steps invite us to trust the power they hold to sustain us. The steps bring us love, mercy, and friendship with a Higher Power (for me God). The Higher Power stays close to us as we preserve our healing journey of faith.
The steps clothe us in beauty and will not abandon us or withhold their power. Even though we may face injustice from people or institutions they do not define us. What defines us is saturating our minds, hearts, and souls with the healing power of Recovery. Whether healing is walking ahead of us, beside us, or ready to catch us when we fall, we are secure in this fact.
Note: September is Suicide Prevention Month. For ideas on how to become involved go to: https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/observances/suicide-prevention-month
Note: September is Recovery Month-for more information on how to bring awareness to this issue go to: https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month
Note: September is Addiction Month-to learn more go to: https://freebythesea.com/september-is-national-drug-and-alcohol-addiction-recovery-month/
2 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
SuperHuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/