Readers Respond: How Do You Put Step 12 to Work?

Please share your personal experience with step 12. Post Your Answer

Just getting started

I am in the program now going on my 2nd week and I have a lot to learn, but I am beginning to look at everything in a positive manner rather than negative which then helps the matter out.

—Guest Stefanie

You have to own it to make it work

Well, by the time you reach the 12th step, you should be well educated enough to know what the 12th step means and how you "live" it to make it work! The term " having had a spiritual awakening" is like being in the dark and finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. It is truly about self awareness and how you look at life. You must change your outlook on life in order to successfully attain the last step! When we sleep, we go through various stages which take you to deep sleep and then the "awakening" cycle. Spiritual awakenings come about when you experience your "higher power" at different intervals. We are "asleep", or not in touch with our spiritual self. Some are more awake than others. Some still struggle with the steps. But, when you reach that point when you "know", there's not turning back! It's like realizing the gospel is truly wonderful and you want to share your new found knowledge with others like yourself because you know that this gift is too good to keep!

—suezdawter

Let It Shine

The more I search my heart, the more love I find in all that was already there. If unresolved disappointments found in myself in this life time became my burden for all of eternity. My first thought would be to straighten up because I wouldn't want that, but if I take a second to think more. I realize I am only changing for a reward of not suffering. I look again and see that it could be like a saying of an action that I just can't live with myself any longer knowing how much my wrongs disappoint me. Only in death it's eternity with no option of change with this notion. Within this I find that God is not the one who punishes me for my mistakes, "I am". When I truly understand disappointment in myself for my wrongs, is when I find the path to pay penance unto remorse felt for forgiveness of myself. In those moments of clarity I feel like I am in the presence of God within my heart. I feel welcomed home.

—Guest Grdn360

Step four

I just came out of a 28 day treatment center where I did my first three steps. I try and work on them daily as I am grateful to have such knowledge to help me in recovery. I will start my step 4 on Monday and wonder if anyone out there can please give me some information as I am out of the bubble now. I would appreciate it. I am so blessed to go to the meetings and I seem to pick up something from someone even if it is the smallest saying. I love to hear people share. Thank to you all who share.

—Guest Maureen C.

The Steps

I'm only 10 months sober so I am only starting to work the steps. But I really try to set an example, especially with my family who are active alcoholics by my actions in my daily life.

—Guest Kimberly

Practice these principles...

We so often get so focused on the helping others that we often go lightly over the practicing these principles in all our affairs. When I get to the 12th step with a sponsee I have them go back to each one and decide what principle each one represents to her. It seems different for each and helps us remember the second half of step 12.

—Guest Lin

How I put Step 12 to work...

In early sobriety I was told that God's will for me was to "Don't drink and go to meetings" So now, all these years later, I still don't take the first drink and attend my local meetings on a regular basis with the sole (and soul) purpose to show up and help with whatever needs doing... and to welcome the new member or visitor. And when a new member evolves into a sponsee, we get into our 12-Step program of recovery which continues to awaken our spirits as we continue to practice these principles in all our affairs. And again and again, life begins anew. May it always be so.

—Guest Lindaluv

All I have to do is look

As time goes by step 12 gets bigger not done or smaller. Attending meetings, speaking when asked, cleaning up, answering the phone etc... I am finding setting a orderly example in meetings. Getting my coffee sitting down and staying there. Encouraging newcomers to participate by reading. Also give my number to a call list given out by an answering service. Updating meeting schedules at local probation offices. I collect Big Books from garage sales and second book shops to give away. Supporting beginners meetings. Picking up people who don't drive at night for meetings. I find lots to do if I just look around. Something I think has value is calling newcomers just to say hi, even if not sponsoring. Sometimes a little recognition is all we need when we start out because we feel so down on ourselves. All I have to do is look past the end of my nose and I will find some 12 step work.

—marjggholson

7410553

Kathy: Believe me, I have been where you are at right now. The best study guide I could have found was right in front of me and being told to me at almost every meeting I attended. This last time around I decided maybe I didn't have all the answers and decided to tale a little direction, as in, humbled myself and got a sponsor. My sponsor not only asked me to read the steps, he helped me work through them. The answer for me was to do evrything the people suggested I do in AA. Go to meetings, get a sponsor, work the steps, work with other alcoholics, and don't drink. Sounds simple, and really is to a point when you decide you are willing to go to any lenght to stay sober, but you have to do the work. Not some of it, but all of it. Kathy, try to get a sponsor today and be open to suggetions. Hope you have a blessed day.

—Guest robertbw

By his side

For me, step 12 work is also a way of life, which if living correctly is carried out in our homes, jobs, friendships, and for some of us our church life. I had an involvement back in 1999 in a meeting. This group (which I choose to keep anonymous) had a member who was a chronic back-slider. On this certain day this person came into the meeting hall. He had just lept out of a second floor window to escape the situation he placed himself in as a result of theft by deception of a certain controlled drug. To my surprise he was quite beaten up and bloody, and very very upset and confused. The group's opinion was don't help him, he just keeps on going back out and relapsing! Thank you Jesus that I listened to Your voice, and made a decision to do Your will in this situation and help this man! Myself and another AA took him into our care, and stayed right by his side and helped to get him to the detox of our local hospital.

—Guest harry N.

Step One

Kathy...just go limp, become a sponge and keep going to all meetings. Be silent, listen, appreciate the old timers. Your way is not working. Find a higher power now.

—Guest Nancy B.

step one

I am well aware I'm an alcoholic; four rehabs have not helped. I REALLY want to stop the madness. it's killing me are there any study guides out there anyone has found helpful in doing the steps. I have done the steps not worked them. I am the kind of person who could work on recovery all day with the proper books, workbooks, etc. I get bored and drink.

—Guest kathy