May 19, 2026 “The Gifts Found in Recovery!”

There are 52 weeks in a year, and as the weeks pass, the 12 Steps of unshakable Recovery invite us to focus less on the desires of the ego and more on the deeper spiritual presence found within the steps themselves.

This deeper presence of Recovery comes to us through the spiritual gifts we receive along the way. We must remain attentive to these gifts of the Spirit that are offered through the 12 Steps.

When we truly believe in what the steps represent in our lives, they begin to change us in profound ways.

Then we no longer need substances to give us courage. We no longer need everyone’s approval to feel confident. We no longer need to win all the time to feel worthy. We no longer need to appear important to others to feel important within ourselves.

Recovery reveals something greater to us. It gives us spiritual nourishment through the spirit of the 12 Steps—a spirit that becomes deeply planted within our hearts and souls.

Growing up in a home where my mother suffered from bipolar disorder and my father used alcohol to cope with stress deeply affected my development. I do not blame my parents for the suffering I experienced. They were carrying wounds passed down from the generations before them.

What I do recognize is the powerful impact my childhood had on my mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I used food to try to fill the emotional emptiness inside me. I searched for approval by winning basketball trophies and earning high grades in school. I often pushed myself beyond what was necessary to please others. I relied on ego and pride to guide my life instead of listening to God’s voice.

Recovery is helping me become more aware of these unhealthy patterns. It is teaching me what I can do to overcome them and showing me how to live out the 12 Steps each day.

We are reminded that our worth is not found in what we own, what we achieve, or in the approval of others. Chasing possessions, pleasing people, and seeking constant approval can stunt our growth and pull us away from who we were truly created to be. Our true worth is found in the presence of Recovery within us, where hope is eternal.

TWELVE STEPS OF RECOVERY

Mental Wellness

1 We believe that Recovery is possible. With courage and hope, we commit to overcoming the internal and external barriers that stand in our way.

2 We believe that a loving God will restore us spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

3 We decrease our human desires in order to hear the voice of God in our lives.

4 We make a Recovery plan after an honest reflection of our behavior.

5 We share our Recovery plan with God and other people who support us.

6 We surrender to God our suffering, anger, resentments, and other emotions blocking our Recovery.

7 We accept God’s unconditional love and compassion into our lives.

8 We connect with peers in Recovery and invite their presence into our lives.

9 We are imperfect human beings. Make amends to a person when necessary, then release shame, guilt, and other emotions getting in the way of our growth.

10 We continue to review our recovery plan and revise it when necessary.

11 We realize Recovery is not just an intention but also an action. Through prayer, reflection, and mindfulness, we seek guidance from God and people in our support network.

12 We are having a spiritual awakening as a result of our recovery. We are learning to love ourselves and practicing these steps in all of our affairs.

Adapted from “The Twelve Steps,” Alcoholics Anonymous, https://wwrgw.aa.