"Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs."


hi everyone thanks for all the shares. I chose this quote from a step 12 page - it illustrates one of the reasons I found Al-Anon helpful. Many of us have benefitted from some counselling at times but this non-professional self-supporting fellowship seemed to enhance our recovery for some unknown reason, it helped us to take charge of our own lives and our recovery and to get in touch with our own selves. So that would be one of the benefits I would cite if I were to suggest using the programme to a stranger, which we dont always need to do of course, as our own recovery progresses people may come to us unasked to enquire about how we did it , and then we can tell them where to go,

look forward to reading you again,

Merry Christmas, llol Vickyr x




From: Courage to Change pg. 78 (copyright 1992, by Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc Limited use by express written permission of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.)

"Our Eighth Tradition suggests that our Twelfth Step work should remain forever nonprofessional. This means that as Al-Anon members, our own experience, strength, and hope is all we need to help one another recover from the devastating impact of alcoholism. If our program were run by professionals, I would not have been free to carry the Al-Anon message to so many others."




-- Edited by Vicky R at 22:30, 2007-12-16

A.A. Step 12 Having had a Spiritual Awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to pracice these principals in all our affairs." What a Beautiful Step 12 is, it doesn't lie, because God doesn't lie. If you can follow instructions and learn to listen. You will make it and never turn back and drink or drug again. You see I had to have that type of PROMISE. You will learn to live and join the human race having a blessed life. I was hopeless by the time I got to A.A. I was 38 when I got here and I had been drinking and using everything from the time I was 13 years old. I was an ALtimont Speedway Goer, a runaway, and a hippy for awhile. I have seen Poverty, and I have seen wealth beyond what most people will ever and can ever dream about. But the best part is that I have the hole in my HEART filled. It is no longer longing for a person, place, high, or thing. I had seizures for several years before I was healed, smoked constantly, drank everyday, was having blackouts and couldn't function without a drink. My health was gone for several years before I had gotten to my last bottem. I went through relationships like alcohol, engaged 7 times married now on my #2. GOD through A.A. and working my Steps with my then Sponsor promised that I would have a spiritual awakening after completing Step 12. If I followed the simple program with the directions laid out in the (Alcoholics Anonymous Book or Big Book) and the (Twelve Traditions 12x12) but I also had to change all of my lifelong habits, hangouts, friendships, even stopped seeing my genetic family for the first year of my Sobriety. I never would have made it they were already offering me wine, champagne, etc. We were in the Limo going to a party for my Sister. I was 8 months Sober and my Sister said "Oh," take a sip no one will know it won't hurt you. I could have fallen, I could have taken that first drink. I didn't! SO when my SPonsor said stay away from Slippery people places and things. It just happpened to be my own immidiate family. We weren't a pray together stay together family. We were a tear each other apart for positon in Mom and Dad's life and they did the same. It was an alcoholic home, with Co-dependent trimmings. Staying away even today is healthier for me than being around them for any length of time. Oh, I LOVE THEM ALL. It is so sad that we are all so OLD. Still can't get that comfortability with all of the inlaws. Practice not perfection! When I found out that I was really getting ill years ago. Befroe my SOn was born well over 23 years ago I already knew I was an alcoholic that I have a disease. But I also had another few diseases that were lingering and getting worse Chronic Pain, multiple complex immune system problems so I figured I was dying. Truthfully I thought I had something horrible like HIV. When I was tested I was certain I was going to die. Then I would go out with a bang but I was diagnosed with a clean bill of health. Praise God! However, I have other diseases that are chronic, cause Chronic Pain that are not curable and I live with them everyday. I have lived with them for over 23 years. only to live with them SOBER, SOBER, SOBER, the past 13.10 years. We can go through anything working our programs through prayer and petitions and meditation with God. If I hadn't had a Spiritual Awakening after my 12th Step I would still be drinking today. Nop I take that back. I would be long dead by now and never accepting my Higher Power whom I call Jesus Christ. I wouldn't have met my husband, saw my Son grow up, saw a SPonsor/friend die from Brain Cancer with COURAGE and HOPE of HEAVEN. Thank God, A.A. for showing me how to enjoy the things that I have tasted in the last 14 years February 19th, 2008. Please continue to pray for me to be a 12 th Step message carrier "Blessings to you" and "Your family." Have a wonderful, blessed New Year. Love you all in Recovery, Blessed

t u \/ickie 4 this posting re 12.. "Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs." Within this step is the promise of to practice these principles in all our affairs, the knowing that as I set about to give life my best grow at it -- that even when I fall short of my outcomes or designs re reality is that is to give no matter what the outcome of an event maybe, however, short of my projections, my hp is there and beside me in the mix of the outcomes of my design. It may be short of what I dreamed of, however, short is where I land. If i can step back to remember to breathe and evaluate my new or now position it ain't so shabby. I did it or went for my goal with my hp protecting me all the way, and so there is where I am then. I have survived with my new identity or the reinvention of myself anew. Perhaps the a is gone and even perhaps the a is in a newer place their own self which includes doing what they need then in order for them to waken free of my input, as well as my own becoming freer of a need to outguess the a, or to me having to maintain the belief of me needing to control, cause I am free. And free then to remember that I can maintain a recognition that I have tried to do my best.. A saying one hears here is progress, not perfection -- a mantra that others even seem to notice when I'm asked if its a new haircut I have that is different about me or wfat is different about me -- lol -- me and hp's lil secret that is safe to share with others. gentle paths n light n love 2 all y'all and oceans of love 2.. This program really works when and as we work it! getoverit