Transcription
A Spiritual Awakening: 12 Steps toFreedomTerry Dunford
A Spiritual Awakening: 12 Steps to Freedomby Terry DunfordCopyright 2004Online editions may also be available for this title. For more information, please visit usat www.lulu.com.www.Lulu.comLulu Enterprises, Inc.All rights reserved by the author. No part of this publication can be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission ofthe publishers and/or authors.While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, LuluEnterprises assumes no responsibilities for errors or omissions, or for damagesresulting from the use of information contained herein. The appearance and contentsof this book are the sole responsibility of the author.
Table of ContentsCHAPTER 2: THE 12 STEP FELLOWSHIP. 4CHAPTER 3: AM I AN ADDICT? . 9CHAPTER 4: WHY WE’RE HERE . 12CHAPTER 5: THE HIGHER POWER CONCEPT. 16CHAPTER 6: HONESTY IN RECOVERY . 23CHAPTER 7: ACCEPTANCE IN RECOVERY . 28CHAPTER 8: GROWTH IN RECOVERY. 34CHAPTER 9: THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY . 44CHAPTER 10: INSPIRING THOUGHTS . 50CHAPTER 11: VICTORY OF THE MIND. 57CHAPTER 12: THE FIRST STEP . 65CHAPTER 13: THE SECOND STEP . 83CHAPTER 14: THE THIRD STEP. 96CHAPTER 15: THE FOURTH STEP . 107CHAPTER 16: THE FIFTH STEP . 119CHAPTER 17: THE SIXTH STEP. 134CHAPTER 18: THE SEVENTH STEP . 143CHAPTER 19: THE EIGHTH STEP. 151CHAPTER 20: THE NINTH STEP. 159CHAPTER 21: THE TENTH STEP . 168CHAPTER 22: THE ELEVENTH STEP . 176CHAPTER 23: THE TWELFTH STEP . 186Table of Content i
CHAPTER 24: SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES IN ACTION . 195CHAPTER 25: PERSISTENCE IN RECOVERY . 224CHAPTER 26: A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING . 233ii Table of Contents
Chapter 1: IntroductionThe 12 Step Fellowship hassaved my life. By applying thesuggestions of the program, I havebeen transformed into a positiveand enlightened person, who is fullof hope that you too can gain thelevel of understanding that I haveby working the program. If youhave an addiction, whether it’salcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, orwhatever, then this book is for you.The general principles of the 12Step program is discussed, as Ishare my experience, strength, andhope to all who desire positivechange.I am an active member of the12 Step Fellowship, and I’ve doneextensive research on all aspectsof recovery, personal growth,spiritual development, and positiveChapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship 1
change. It is my intention to sharethe knowledge that I’ve gained, sothat you too can gain the level ofawareness and understanding thatcan lead to you a successfulrecovery. Most addicts, alcoholics,and the like have tried to quit ontheir own, and it is nearlyimpossible to stay clean and soberwithout the loving support of the12 Step Fellowship.This is aproven program of success, andwith it, you can’t go wrong.The information in this bookwas design to give you basicknowledge and awareness of the 12Step program. Not only will you beled through each of the 12 Steps,but you will also be given mypersonal thoughts and feelings oneach topic as it has applied to myrecovery. I’ve lived and workedthis program of recovery, and I amgrateful for the opportunity to2 Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship
share my experience, strength, andhope.I am a real recoveringaddict and alcoholic, who has livedand applied these principles in myown recovery. Now it is my hopethat you too can achieve victory inyour own recovery. I will showyou the way to true peace,personal fulfillment, and spiritualenhancement. You too can obtain aspiritual awakening, as you applythe 12 Steps to Freedom.Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship 3
Chapter 2: The 12 Step FellowshipI am so grateful today. Fromthe moment I surrendered, andstopped offering resistance, I havebeen given the opportunity to liveanew. Yielding to the power of Godhas been a lifesaver. I had toforfeit my pride, admit defeat, andsuccumb to a Power greater thanmyself. I was able to trust Godwith my life, and to rely on Him forthe direction I needed. I had agenuine desire to change, theopportunity to form into aspiritual being – a clean, sober,responsible, loving person.Mynewfound commitment to positivegrowth was overwhelming, drivingme to adhere to the principles ofthe 12 Steps. I completely devotedmyself to living in sobriety, to dowhatever I needed to do to stay4 Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship
clean and sober. I was inspired torenew my mind, body, and spirit. Igained the courage to meetdangers and difficulties withoutfear.I was bold in mydetermination to achieve renewal.I learned how to be humble, toregain freedom from pride andarrogance.Iacceptedcircumstances that I had nocontrol over. By applying theseprinciples in my daily walk, Istarted to feel uninhibited andunburdened. A new freedom hadovertaken me, enveloping me withits serenity and grace.Did all of this enlightenmentand understanding hit me all atonce? Absolutely not; however, as Ikept steadfast in my pursuit forpersonal growth, ongoing sobriety,and peace of mind, I progressivelystepped forward in my journey. Icontinued along this path byChapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship 5
keepingfocusedandfrompersistently moving forward in myrecovery. By enduring trials, andexercising forbearance I was ableto persevere. Patience is animportant virtue to maintain whilein recovery. Easy does it. It isn’tnecessary to completely changeovernight, and it isn’t possible asfar as I’m concerned. To my fellowaddicts: Take it easy. Be resolutein your search for freedom fromaddictive addiction and alcoholism.Be teachable and open to new waysof living. Apply the suggestionsoffered through the Fellowship.Trust, and come to know yourHigher Power. Work the 12 Steps.Read the literature. Share yourexperience, strength and hope withyour fellow addicts and alcoholics.As for me, I have to attend ameeting every night; it keeps mesober one more day.If I do6 Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship
tomorrow what I did today, I willstay sober. One day at a time,always trying to remain focused,determined and motivated towardspersonal and spiritual growth inyour recovery. The 12 Steps work;they are a set of principles writtenso simply that we can follow themin our daily lives. Keep comingback.Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship 7
8 Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship
Chapter 3: Am I an Addict?More than likely, you alreadyknow the answer to this question.The controlling power of drugs inour lives was only creatingdevastation and destruction. Thedrug users’ fate isn’t prettybecause the majority of us end upin jails, and some of us go toinstitutions, while a lot of peopledie from the disease of addiction.Addicts are totally infatuated withtheir drug use, and we’ll performbehaviors that are demoralizing,and in the end, we are powerless.An addict is anyone who iscontrolled by his or her drug use.We live its lethal affects, as wegradually plummet deeper anddeeper into its grips, as with anyaddiction.Chapter 3: Am I an Addict? 9
During our active addiction,our disease establishes itself, andbegins to wreak havoc in our lives.We’ve lived within its boundaries,and we know that it has controlover us. We lie, steal, and takeadvantage of anything, or anyoneto get that next high. We areentirely out of control, andconfined by the imprisonment thatit creates. We cannot triumph overaddictions’ severe grips over us –we’ve tried on our own, and we’velearned that it doesn’t work.Finally, we found the 12 StepFellowship.10 Chapter 3: Am I an Addict?
Chapter 3: Am I an Addict? 11
Chapter 4: Why We’re HereThe life of active addiction is areoccurringbehaviorofdestruction. Drugs had terrorizedour entire lives.We triedconstantly to search for the goodhigh, but in the end, we continue toplunge into the pit of anguish. Ouraddiction controlled every aspectof our lives, and we couldn’t live .Character demoralization ruinedour own lives, and had affected thelivesofoursurroundings.Veracity, family values, success,happiness, and trustworthinessdid not exist in our moral makeup.We continued to cope with ouraddiction by using more and moredrugs, which added to ourunmanageability and out-of-control12 Chapter 4: Why We’re Here
state.Our life’s objective wasgetting that next high, and wewould dig to the core of the earthfor the next bag. All the harmfulqualities of addiction had made usdoomed to failure.We tried to the best of ourabilities to control our addiction,but this disease has enormouscontrol over us. All the methodsthat we’ve tried to gain control hadfailed. We are here because this isa proven program of recovery, andnowhere else do people identifywith our situation. The disease ofaddictioncannotbecured;however, through following thesuggestions of the program, we canregain a sense of control to ourlives. The 12 Step Fellowship is agroup of people here to help eachother in our recovery. Recoverybecomes the focal point of ourlives, not character demoralizationChapter 4: Why We’re Here 13
and unmanageability of activeaddiction. Here we are shown theway, and given the tools to escalateabove our past life of despair.Hope is now accessible to us. Weare now equipped to take a stepforward, and learn an excellentprogram of recovery.14 Chapter 4: Why We’re Here
Chapter 4: Why We’re Here 15
Chapter 5: The Higher PowerConceptThe 12 Step Fellowship is nonymous, and all the other 12Step Fellowships are not religiousprograms because we all areentitled to our own personalbeliefs.Spirituality within theFellowship is defined as behaviors,thoughts, and attitudes in aconsistent manner, in which weacknowledge a power greater thanourselves. Subsequently, a belief in“God” isn’t required, but isundoubtedly well suited.OurHigher Power can be anything thatis viewed as being a power greaterthan ourselves, which, ultimately,assists us on our journey, and16 Chapter 5: The Higher Power Concept
helps us stray away from drugsand alcohol.God is mentioned a lot withinthe program, but a particularfaith, a group, the program itself, asponsor, nature’s Essence, orwhatever we may put our faith into provide us with the help we needto excel on our path, could be ourHigher Power.With a HigherPower in our lives, we acquirepeace of mind, endurance, strength,and understanding, as well as theknowledge essential to escalateabove the problems we encounter.The whole concept of a HigherPower is revealed through ourfellow members of the 12 StepFellowship.Everyone’s personalthoughts on a Higher Power helpus to find our own, or to relatewith the notions expressed. Wecontinue to see the miracles inother peoples’ lives, and within theChapter 5: The Higher Power Concept 17
Group, as a result of a HigherPower’s assistance. We want whatother people in the program have,so we learn to be compatible withthe concept, and find our ownHigher Power. When people talkabout God, it is the God of theirunderstanding. Then accordingly,we apply the notion to the God ofour understanding.Faith andenlightenmentsurroundtheFellowship, and we all adopt ourown personal views about aHigher Power, and how we relateto Him in our own lives.Our Higher Power provideshelp from either within or above.The important fact is that wereceive this assistance when wecall upon it. And the more ourrelationship grows with ourHigherPower,themoreassistance, guidance, direction,and strength that we receive. It is18 Chapter 5: The Higher Power Concept
imperative that a recovering addictand alcoholic have faith and trustin the God of their understanding,or Higher Power.A strong,confident faith will ensure betterresults.The Fellowship is certainlybasedonagreementwithparticular spiritual principles. Aswe develop spirituality, we arereducing our selfish motives, andwe start relying more on help fromabove, the Divine Essence, from theAll-Powerful Presence that willprovide us with truth, knowledge,awareness, and success.Manyaddictsandalcoholicshavesucceeded in their recovery byadopting allegiance and reliance onsome form of Higher Guidance.Spirituality produces humility thatis the essential component of asuccessful, and fulfilling recovery.Chapter 5: The Higher Power Concept 19
The assistance received fromour Higher Power may, or may notbe noticeable, but is definitebecause we always obtain help inone way or the other, as we rely onour Higher Power for assistance.Our Higher Power will provide uswith the skill, but in order to obtainthe expected outcome, we must doour part by following the positivemotivations given to us.It isalways beneficial to remember thatthroughout our recovery, nomatter what happens, our HigherPowerwillalwaysbeunderstanding, loving, and willalways desire to lend a hand onour path. Knowing this, we canbuild a loving, strong, and faithfulrelationship with our HigherPower.In order to ensure a persistent,successful recovery, it is necessarytoestablishameaningful,20 Chapter 5: The Higher Power Concept
confident, faithful, and strong bondwith our Higher Power.OurHigher Power holds all the lifegiving products together, and it’sthrough our Higher Power that weattain true victory.Endlessopportunities and chances forpersonal and spiritual developmentare made possible by utilizing ourHigher Power to guide our way.No longer are we alone to battlelife’s perils, and to succumb to selfinflicted prisons. Love given, islove received in view of our HigherPower. We learn to work with ourHigher Power to achieve victoryfrom within, and to advance fromthe realm of the visible world. Bydeveloping our spirituality, whileutilizing the assistance from ourHigher Power, we begin to use theonecomponentthatholdseverything together – our heart.Chapter 5: The Higher Power Concept 21
22 Chapter 5: The Higher Power Concept
Chapter 6: Honesty in RecoveryThe first step into recoveryrequires honesty. When we arehonest with ourselves, and peoplewe come into contact with, then westep onto the path of positivegrowth.Therein lie endlessopportunities when we becometruthful and straightforward inconduct. Honestly working the 12Steps will abundantly enhance ourunderstanding of our lives, ouraddictions, our character defectsand personality traits.What adifference true honesty can makewhen working the 12 Steps ofrecovery.To be honest with ourselvesduring recovery, we should notdeceive ourselves. We should behonest with ourselves concerningChapter 6: Honesty in Recovery 23
our character, especially abouthow we feel, our thought process,how we carry ourselves, and howwe act and behave towards varyingcircumstances.Therearecountless advantages from beinghonest with ourselves.In ourrecovery, we are better able tonotice our character defects,shortcomings, negative thoughts,anger, and personality flaws.Whenwearehonestwithourselves, we gain the capacity forpositive change to occur.Ourdesire for positive change helps usto feel better about ourselves. Webecome more aware of our trueperson, enabling us to have theopportunity to make the requiredchanges necessary to grow in ourrecovery.In our journey, it is just asimportant to be honest not just toourselves, but also with our24 Chapter 6: Honesty in Recovery
dealings with others. Why shouldwe deny our lives away? Now wehave the chance to make amends,heal our past wounds, rebuild ourrelationships based on trust, alongwith many other things that wouldbe possible if we maintain selfhonesty, as well as outwardhonesty.Anever-increasingamount of opportunities forpersonal growth in our recoveryawaits us, as we are honest aboutour addiction, our addictivebehaviors, and our powerlessness.We will reap the benefits ofworking on honest program. Bybeing honest, we are open to utilizethe many other spiritual principlesoffered in the 12 Steps of recovery.I’ve learned that I must be honestregarding all aspects of my life if Iam to continue along the road thatleads to further personal growth,spiritual enrichment, and positiveChapter 6: Honesty in Recovery 25
change. I am grateful to share thismessage, and it is my hope that weall can adopt these principles in allour affairs.26 Chapter 6: Honesty in Recovery
Chapter 6: Honesty in Recovery 27
Chapter 7: Acceptance inRecoveryAcceptanceinrecoverynecessitates enduring those thingsthat we cannot change. Once werealized that our disease ofaddiction was overpowering us, wesurrendered to a Power greaterthan ourselves, and we came toaccept our powerlessness overdrugs and alcohol. We receivedwillingly the fact that the 12 Stepscould help us to restore our sanity,and recover all that was lost in ouraddiction. Positive change cannotoccur without surrendering ourwillandourlives,andfurthermore, accepting ourselvesas a recovering addict, oralcoholic. Only then can forwardprogress commence.28 Chapter 7: Acceptance in Recovery
As we emerge from ourisolation and stop resisting change,we allow ourselves to be openminded towards new ways ofliving. We come to terms with WhatIs in our lives, not with what wasor what should be. We gain hope,trust, and faith in our recovery,motivating us to do those thingsthat are necessary for positivechange and growth to occur.Acceptance keeps us focused onour journey. The road to recoveryhas now begun. Acceptance is thedawn of a rewarding experience tocome about.On our journey in recovery,there will arise situations thatmust be accepted in order for us tohaveachancetomakeimprovements. However stressfulor aggravating a circumstance maybe, we must first accept it as it is,which will open the door forChapter 7: Acceptance in Recovery 29
change to begin. Unless we acceptwhatever may happen, we won’tacquire the opportunity to detect aproblem, and achieve a resolution.Another category of acceptancethat is vital to our ongoingrecovery is self-acceptance. If weare insecure with ourselves, orlack self-esteem, then positivegrowth would be complicated.Feelings of hopelessness, despair,hate, fear, shame, and guilt wouldoverwhelm us if we were deficientof self-acceptance. The spiritualsegment of our program assists thereby allowing us to use thespiritual principles offered to helpus gain self-acceptance.Byrelinquishing ourselves over to thecare of our Higher Power, weachieve the strength and couragenecessary to reclaim hope, self30 Chapter 7: Acceptance in Recovery
esteem, self-acceptance, and thedrive we need to battle the perils ofthe moment. By accepting God’sguidance and direction, we obtainthe opportunity for positive,productive change and growth totake place.For us to enter the realm ofrecovery, we must accept that wehave an addiction; accept that weare powerless over drugs andalcohol; accept those things thatwe cannot change; acquire selfacceptancetore-establishconfidence in ourselves; accept thatwe must surrender our will andour lives over to the care of God;and, we must accept the situationsand circumstances of the present –thereby further increasing ourability for positive change. Thesemeasures will pave the way for usto travel along the road to truepeace,personalfulfillment,Chapter 7: Acceptance in Recovery 31
progressive recovery, and, most ofall, ongoing sobriety. Acceptance isan act of the will, and must occur ifwe are to continue in our recovery.32 Chapter 7: Acceptance in Recovery
Chapter 7: Acceptance in Recovery 33
Chapter 8: Growth in RecoveryToday, I live by easy standardsthat carry me through each day inpeace, enabling me to overcome theperils that my current reality andsurroundingsbringtome.Primarily, I live by faith. Faith thatGod will restore all that was lost inmyaddiction,andtherebycontinues to keep me secure andsafe in the serenity that I’ve found.My anchor that has been holdingme firm is the process ofacceptance that has allowed me totolerate those things that I cannotchange. Becoming disturbed oraggravatedoverpettyencumbrances will only inhibit anddisrupt my ongoing growth.Acceptance has allowed me tobecome open-minded, and helps me34 Chapter 8: Growth in Recovery
to concentrate upon the things thatwill heighten my mental andspiritual growth – enabling me todevelop a secure foundation, whichwill help me on my ongoingjourney.I’ve arrived to theconclusion that if I permit negativeinfluences to control my thoughtsand actions, I would becomedefeated, and my growth wouldcome to a stop.My attitude and reactions tocircumstances has a profoundaffect upon my state of mind. I’vealready decided to remain positiveandoptimistic,keepingmycomposure, and never to give upthe serenity that I have foundthrough the 12 Step program. Iconcentrate and reflect upon allprinciples, values, virtues, attitudesand feelings that will build up andstrengthen my personal growth. Iwill not alleviate or stray from theChapter 8: Growth in Recovery 35
chosen path that has been setbefore me, in which I now follow.I am becoming aware of allcircumstances and situations thatwill hold me back and hinder mefromfurthergrowthanddevelopment. I am following thestaircase to Heaven, never again totread upon the downward, endlessspiral that only leads to chaos,destruction and darkness. Thelight and knowledge that I’ve foundis comforting, surrounding me withits brilliance, allowing me to livewithintheserenitythatitproduces.I have learned to abandon allof my previous addictive behaviorsthat caused my deterioration andinsanity, pulling me within theirgrips, eating away at my soul,further crushing any life left withinme. I have now acquired theability to sustain from all negative,36 Chapter 8: Growth in Recovery
degrading, unfruitful behaviorsand thoughts. Each day I’m nowable to awake to the marvelousPresence of the Light that God hasbestowed upon me. I have adoptedan allegiance to adjust and forminto that Light and follow in thedirection that it leads me. Iapproach each new step withexhilaration, and faith, confidentthat only good will unfold. I avoidall negativity around me, utilizingmy protective arsenal to divert allthings within and without that maydisrupt my focus, or interrupt mypeace of mind.What motivates me and givesme strength in times of weaknessand powerlessness are the comfort,joy and enrichment that serenityproduces. I am completely awarethat the absence of serenity wouldlead me to personal destructionand anguish. I automatically strayChapter 8: Growth in Recovery 37
and avoid stress and disturbance –assured that by remaining focusedI will arrive safely to mydestinationwithoutflaworhindrance.The means to obtainingspiritual awareness is to remainfocused on the present, living justfor today, not to dwell in the past,or be held back by past failures;furthermore, not to worry aboutthe future, for you know not whatthe future will bring. By living andgrowing in the present, I will besetting the stage for a successfuland fulfilling future. I now refuseto allow affliction, stress, or doubtto creep into my thoughts. For it issaid, “As you think, so you are.” Istrive to stay connected and tocoexist with the endless energythat is within and without. Withinme are no boundaries; I ambecoming aware of the power of38 Chapter 8: Growth in Recovery
thought. I’ve learned to let go ofthe bondage that was connected tomy old wounds. Now I’ve closedthe wounds of my past, cleansingmy character defects, and alldestructive setbacks. Elements ofdoubt would keep me bound,unable to move forward in myrecovery.Greater awareness is possiblethrough the good-natured power ofGod. If we come to believe that weare in this world, not of this world,then we will tap into the energy weneed to receive instant awakeningof the spirit, and hope that greaterawarenessispossible.I’vepersonally come to believe that Iam a spiritual being, who is havinga human experience.Daily, I continue letting go ofold thinking patterns that hold meback, and hinder my forwardprogress. I am inspired to achieveChapter 8: Growth in Recovery 39
greatness in my spiritual journey.I can now refuse to allow doubt tointrude. I now live by simplespiritual principles. Foremost, Idon’t allow conflict to interferewith my quiet, calm, peaceful,serenetrainofthought;furthermore, I remain focusedupon the direction in which myheightened spiritual awareness isleading me. The trail left behind,up to this point, is gratefully leftbehind; it doesn’t hold me back, orhinder my forward progress, orkeep me bound. I am now driven tospiritual maturity because I devoteall of my energies to please andglorify the Divine Presence thatsurrounds me. The brilliancy ofthis Light that God has shown meclarifies my vision, and helps me tosee the chosen path that has beenset before me. I foresee great and40 Chapter 8: Growth in Recovery
wonderful things to come in thislife with endless opportunities.The armor that I now wearthat God has given me is heldtogether by faith, love, hope, joy,patience, perseverance, courage,strength, gratitude, sharing andcaring, tolerance, and acceptance.Those simple spiritual principlesare what keeps me abiding inserenity and moving forward in myrecovery and personal growth. AsI live in accordance with theseprinciples, I am given the strengthand inspiration needed to continueon the road to true peace, personalfreedom, higher awareness, andinner purity. The constant, ongoingrenewal of my mind enables me tolive an adventure full of new,exciting ways of living.Because I have been connectedwith the 12 Step program, I amgiven the resources needed toChapter 8: Growth in Recovery 41
achieve this new way of life that Inow live. The program has givenme hope, and confidence that theimpossible is possible. I now have4 years in recovery, and I’ve takenseveral other recovery relatedcourses to improve my knowledgeof the disease of addiction. Myhope is that my experience,strength and hope will help myfellow addicts, and to possiblyencourage all addicts to keepcomingbackbecauseourFellowship is awesome, and doeswork.42 Chapter 8: Growth in Recovery
Chapter 8: Growth in Recovery 43
Chapter 9: The Spiritual JourneyIn order for me to stay cleanone more day, I must relinquish mypower over to the care of God. As Ilet go of worldly, impure desires,God steps in, freeing me of activeaddiction. I’ve learned over thecourse of my recovery that if I actwith humility, then I will be carriedthrough situations in which I haveno control.I gain acceptance,tolerance and patience in mysearch for personal freedom, as Imaintain a conscious contact withGod through each day.Byapplying the principles offered inthe 12 Step Fellowship, I’ve gainedthe wisdom necessary to battle mydisease, and to face life withcourage and confidence.44 Chapter 9: The Spiritual Journey
I now have faith, and believethat God will provide me with thestrength, courage and wisdomnecessary to face any trial ortribulation along my path; so, I willnot fear, for when crisis arrives inwhich I have no control, I let goand allow God to intervene,showing me the path to follow. Iconform to the likeness of Hisimage and I’m saved from all harm.In order for me to retain this sinceof spiritual cleanness, I must notdeviate from this new knowledgethat I’ve gained. I now embracethis serenity, and all the peace andjoy that it creates. The vision thatI’ve encountered has given me apurpose and a worthwhile reasonto live.The expansion of myspiritual awareness has broughtme fulfillment of the void that I’vebeen searching to fill my whole life.Chapter 9: The Spiritual Journey 45
One of the spiritual principle’sthat is very important to me iscaring and sharing. I have finallylearned to love myself, which nowenables me to love others. I nowhave the opportunity to give backall that was freely given to me. As Icare for others, being kind andgenerous while showing love, Icontinue helping myself in theprocess.It is very rewardingshowing love to my fellow addictsand alcoholics.I now try toexpress love in all that I do. Byliving this way, I create a positiveenvironment around me that bringsme joy and peace.There is no doubt in my mind as I live by the spiritual principlesof the 12 Step program, I continuemoving forward along the road tosuccess and personal fulfillmentand freedom.It has becomeapparent that the incoming growth46 Chapter 9: The Spiritual Journey
of my recovery will bring meadvanced understanding of myself,and the spiritual realm. This Lightthat h
the 12 Steps to Freedom. 4 Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship I am so grateful today. From the moment I surrendered, and stopped offering resistance, I have been given the opportunity to live anew. Yielding to File Size: 612KB
