Is it fair for a person to reach out for services after not taking advantage of them on three previous occasions? Ron (a fictional person) approached a treatment provider to determine if he qualified for outpatient mental health and substance misuse services. The director of the program was blunt saying, “No” and was not arrogant or showed any contempt toward Ron. The director believed Ron was only contemplating change rather than wanting to take action.
The director provided Ron an opportunity to demonstrate the greatness of his merciful love. How does Ron respond when the director tells him he is not ready to Recover? Is Ron angry? Does Ron turn away from him with hatred and disgust in his heart? Is Ron’s faith shaken? Not even close.
In this moment of hope and trust, Ron puts all his cards on the table, with humble faith in the director he conquers the heart of the director. The director is completely run over by his faith, perseverance, and his complete trust and confidence in the program. The director acknowledges Ron’s request.
The director is a loving person who wants what is best for the people in his treatment program. He was willing to change his plans to bring Ron closer to Recovery. Brothers and sisters in healing, what we need most is peace, and security that can only come from total harmony with the 12-Steps of Recovery.
Note: I have reflected on the 12 steps and made some modifications. The modifications come from what I have learned from you and other connections I have in the Recovery community. I welcome your feedback (see below)
12 Steps
Mental Wellness
- We believe Recovery is possible and we commit to overcoming the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles confronting us.
- We are powerless over our condition and believe a spiritual presence in our lives is the pathway to freedom.
- We choose activities that support our Recovery.
- We share our Plan of Recovery with a spiritual being and at least one other person.
- We seek to educate ourselves about Recovery from the activities we participate in because it expands our capacity to heal.
- We decide to rely on the will of our Higher Power rather than going it alone.
- We humbly accept the Higher Powers’ unconditional love, compassion, and presence in our lives.
- We acknowledge healing occurs through relationships and supportive peer groups. We identify these people on our Plan of Recovery We thank people for their support due to a mental health and substance misuse event.
- We let go of past shortcomings which include shame and unnecessary guilt. We were designed to love ourselves and form heart-felt connections with people.
- We regularly become curious about our mental wellness. We adjust our activities to reach a deeper level of Recovery.
- We recognize Recovery is a journey. We seek wisdom through prayer, reflection, imagery, or mindfulness improving our conscious contact with our Higher Power and having the strength to take action.
- We gain self-awareness and insight into our Recovery as a result of listening to the will of our Higher Power. We model these steps making them real in our lives and support the growth of our brothers and sisters in Recovery.
Adapted From 12 Steps of Alcoholic/Depressed Anonymous by Larry Winter and Collene Spaeth
Revised: 02/18/2025
Superhuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/