I hope that wherever you are, you know Recovery is with you.
Do you ever wonder why I quote and refer to Recovery so often? You may be asking, “Does it really matter?” or “Does something have to be in the 12 Steps to be true?” Recovery focuses on regaining a sense of purpose, identity, and connection, allowing us to live fulfilling lives despite ongoing mental health conditions. Recovery emphasizes what we can do, shifting attention from limitations to strengths and potential.
I refer to Recovery because I see her as a spiritual guide for the healing journey, whether we choose to follow her or not. When we understand the 12 Steps in their deeper meaning and proper context, we find wisdom that speaks to the heart of healing.
For some of us, the 12 Steps may be the very thing that helps us learn to trust Recovery. For others, they may raise doubts about the truth of her teachings. Either way, we must be willing to take the risk and stay open to what Recovery teaches us.
If I presented these steps as my own ideas or simply as concepts that agree with psychology, I would not be telling the whole truth. Recovery brings these teachings together in a way that speaks to our hearts. Sometimes, we may even wonder what took us so long to put the 12 Steps into practice as a trusted guide for healing.
Recovery opens new windows into how we understand our culture’s messages about mental health and substance misuse. She also gives us new words to understand our experiences and a wide range of tools to help us heal. These tools may include therapy, support groups, psychiatry, peer support, social and recreational activities, massage, mindfulness, and skills for managing our emotions.
Each of these tools can support our healing, but their effects will look different for each of us. Our goal is not to find a perfect solution. It is to ease our suffering, nurture our well-being, and give ourselves a better chance to heal.
Over the past two weeks, I have felt depression and anxiety rising within my mind and body. My growing self-awareness is guiding me to use the tools I have learned through Recovery.
First, I am talking through my feelings with my Recovery peers. Second, I am being intentional about self-care. I am learning to treat myself with compassion rather than go to war with myself. These practices help me accept my present circumstances, even when they are painful. I also remind myself that this season will pass.
Perhaps one of the deepest lessons of Recovery is this: We often grow spiritually more by getting Recovery wrong than by getting it right. Even when we struggle, we have opportunities to learn, receive grace, and begin again. Recovery is not about perfection. It is about staying open to healing and gently allowing ourselves to grow, one day at a time.
12 Steps of 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 to hear the voice of God in our lives.
4. We make a Recovery plan after an honest reflection on 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 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://www.aa.org
Remember, Recovery is happening right now, in this moment.
Please pick up my new book. Your support of my ministry allows me to serve others. Daily Devotional: 12 Steps to Unshakeable Recovery: Winter, L.J.: 9798987012741: Amazon.com: Books
SuperHuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/