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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Step Work -> Step Work -> Alanon Step 12
Post Info TOPIC: Alanon Step 12
hotrod


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Alanon Step 12
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Step 12

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

 Reaching For Personal Freedom

After working step one through 11, we have progressed far beyond our first spiritual awakening to the idea that we were powerless over alcohol. Each step has brought further awakening with insight and perspective on our problems, our lives and our relationship with a higher power. We know from personal experience that help is readily available to us in our search for a better way. Sharing the message of recovery with those who are still hurting, hopeless, and afraid is an essential step to our further growth.

We carry the message by welcoming newcomers, sponsoring others, participating in public outreach, and sharing our experience strength and hope in meetings. As we practice the principles of the 12 steps in all area of our lives, we continue on a life changing journey of recovery from the disease of alcoholism.  

My share

I love the statement in this step that states Having had a Spiritual Awakening  . It assured me that if I was diligent and worked these steps I would l have a spiritual awakening. What a beautiful guarantee!!. Practicing these principles in all my affairs is also a fantastic gift that I willingly undertake.

My old survival negative tools nearly destroyed my life and my sanity. The principles embodied by the 12 steps have set me free to act and respond in a positive constructive life affirming manner. I am grateful to embrace the philosophy at every turn. Carrying this message to others is something I willingly do. I do this simply by incorporating these belief and principles into all my and actions into my daily activities, I also sponsor Al-Anon members and speak at Al-Anon area conferences. Carrying this message is a gift that I willingly undertake.

Step 12 questions                                                                                                                                                           

 

What does the term spiritual awakening mean to me?

 In what way is step 12 the culmination of the growth I have experience in the previous steps?

In what ways as my attitude changed as a result of working step 12?

In what ways am I most comfortable carrying the message of recovery to friends and family?

How could I find it opportunity for gr



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Betty
pp


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I love this step....after a few years, I realized that I had many mini spiritual awakenings throughout recovery.  Each time I sat in a meeting and had an aha moment, I considered that an awakening, each time I has goosebumps during another's share, I felt spiritually awakened, each time I recognized gratitude or grace, I considered it an awakening.  They don't stop, thankfully.  I humbly carry and live the spiritual messages of the 12 steps.



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Paula
hotrod


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Thanks Paula I agree all the little light bulb moments are spiritual awakenings . Great share

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Betty
DavidG


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I had my spiritual experience at the beginning, before I even knew about Alanon. I was 20, my life was a trainwreck. Career and education impossible... wasn't even really employable. I was living in a flat in the city. I was intensely reading up on religion... and anything i thought that would help me. I went through a three day period where everything seemed clear to me. I have read elsewhere- some people have described this as a breakdown... but it is also seen sometimes as a way through- the spirit of God speaking to us.

At that time I went to an Alanon AA open meeting. i was really interested in helping alcoholics. I must have said something because someone from Alanon took me aside and spoke to me. It was going to be 13 years before I actually got to a meeting.

I am so glad i did... life was not easy, or cosy after my experience... it was real tough. But so far, one day at a time I have made it...

...thanks for the share... aww

David.



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hotrod


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Hi David Thank you for connecting and sharing on this Step I agree having a Spiritual experience is not a guarantee that life will be all peaches and easy.

In fact I found that life became a little more difficult but with my knowledge that I had a Poweer Greater than myself with me, I had the courage and wisdom to survive and thrive.

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Betty
DavidG


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 smile i recall you came to your meeting early to spend some precious time with me. Just to get there i had to do a dummy run in the afternoon to be sure of finding he venue!

Sometimes, when i am stumped for words i just express a little gratitude. Our conversation; the sweet natural and most relaxing boundaries;  piece of Alanon heaven.

And to see your home group in acton- bliss! smile

So often in my world people hadn't bin there for me, but you were!

As you know I am also on the ACA board. I joined up with the Alanon board for back-up and support as we got the ACA board up and running. It worked superbly for me. because we are up and running, and more or less self-supporting I am not on your side so much. The love and warmth that you and Paula show is always with me- it helps nourish and nurture me...

   smilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmile David smilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmilesmile



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Participation is the key to harmony.
hotrod


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David, It was my pleasure to  connect with you and share our intimate thoughts, courage and wisdom.  Thank you for making the effort.  

How brave of you to attempt to navigate the NYC subway system   and you did so successfully.biggrin

Great to be sharing the journey with you 



-- Edited by hotrod on Friday 15th of August 2014 11:07:19 PM

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Betty
DavidG


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hotrod wrote:

Great to be sharing the journey with you 

 smile Yes... maybe this is just the beginning... aww



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hotrod


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I agree :)

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Betty
DavidG


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smile yes... it sort of creeps up on me... we share mostly family related stuff... and we do get to know each other well... trusted and respected~ in a way that seemed impossible at the beginning...

   ...at the moment higher power speaks to me through other people... and reaches and energises the higher power within...

Years ago someone said at a meeting- this is a selfish programme. That rankled with me. There was some point in that statement, but i felt there was a lot more besides...

                                                                          ...I think Hp must have spoken then, because i went away and thought about the 'selfish programme' business. I decided that I did not want to be self-centred, but centred on self. This is not said [as far as i know] in the Alanon literature. This is just my own personal ESH.

My self esteem was zilch. My own sense of self was so bruised and confused; to be honest I did not know who "I" was. It was a  living nightmare.

                         I might be venturing out into Step One here...

I pictured the 12 steps as the numbers on the clock, Not in a straight line. So step 12 sits right next to step One...

~the steps~ implies walking, and walking forwards... walking side by side seems much more purposeful, and comforting, than single file... smile



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Participation is the key to harmony.
hotrod


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Dear David I agree, sharing the journey is a great gift and so important to recovery.

Some of the "catchy phrases that I first heard in the program did not make sense to me and did cause me concern as well. After years and years of practicing these principles, I finally understand some of the concepts they were trying to impart.

Being a selfish program for me means I must take care of myself before I can care for others. Today that makes a great deal of sense --years ago it did not

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Betty
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