A man was born with a speech impediment. He decided to connect with a speech therapist and try to improve his speaking ability. During the next two years, he attended therapy sessions at least weekly. Gradually, to the surprise of his friends and family, his speech improved. They said, “It’s a miracle.”
Peers in Recovery had been communicating and doing miracles for a while so I trusted them although I was unsure what Recovery meant (see February 21, 2025 blog post). Although we may think we know the meaning of Recovery – Do we know?”
We may fall short in our Recovery practice but continue to have faith. Is our faith this strong? Do we acknowledge with our lives that Recovery is possible and we commit to overcoming internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles confronting us? Through both messages and miracles Recovery reveals to us what it is about.
Do we hear the message or are we spiritually deaf sometimes? Do we read books providing us insight into healing? I see a therapist at least once a month. During our work together she encouraged me several times to take a class in mindfulness. I dragged my feet and was deaf to the idea. Finally, I went ahead and signed up for a class. On most days of the week, I take about 20 minutes to practice mindfulness. I consider the voice of my therapist to be a spiritual messenger and a miracle in helping manage my mental health condition.
We know in our hearts what Recovery is telling us. We know what is being asked of us but sometimes we choose to be deaf to Recovery in our consciouses. Let’s identify what aspects of moments in our lives we are deaf to the teachings of Recovery. Let’s ask God (Higher Power) to make us humble so we can ask him to lay his hands on us and open our ears.
Recovery is a gift of fortitude so we can come out of our comfort zones to do as the 12-steps tell us. Although we can witness the truth of healing and learn about Recovery we sometimes seem to have a speech impediment. Recovery can give us the courage to open our hearts and listen to the 12-steps that constantly challenge us out of our comfort zones. Only with grace can we overcome a speech impediment, to share the good news, ultimately our hope is we can come to acknowledge with our lives that Recovery is the healer and it offers us unconditional love.
Could you do me a favor? I have modified the 12-steps based on input from you and listening to what Recovery means to you. I welcome feedback on what you think. Thanks!
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/