Lately, it’s been gratifying and inspiring to hear my sponsees marveling at how well things are going in their lives since they started working the 12 Steps and doing what works for others in 12 Step programs.
They’re making the connections between the following: Doing a Gratitude List and how it changes their attitude and they find themselves in aprreciation for even little things throughout their days – How reaching out through phone calls to share about distress they feel regarding situations helps the distress dissipate, and how the call made them aware of solutions they then successfully put into action – The miracles that appear, seemingly out of nowhere building their faith and trust that their Higher Power is providing for them – Working the Steps and the transformation which that process creates within them, and in all aspects of their lives.
How inspiring, rewarding and reinforcing for me to be witness to the metamorphosis that happens for these amazing, courageous women. At 12 Step meetings I was taught the closing phrase ” Keep coming back – It works.” In later years I heard people add to that, ” – If you work it.” And it does. For those who choose not to work it yet, we can pray. Those of us who have done the work and witnessed the process in others know how much it offers. We want those same miracles for all who’ve suffered and come to the 12 Step programs. The relief and release is such a gift when we realize the Promises (p. 83-84 of the Big Book of Alchohics Anonymous) coming true “before we are halfway through” with working the Steps. It works.
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Affirmation for the Day – ” I am willing to do what works.”
Remember to say the affirmation at least 3 times whenever you remember it, preferably in front of a mirror.
Course In Miracles Lesson – Let me remember that my goal is God.
Practice – Father, Our goal is but to follow in the way that leads to You. We have no goal but this. What could we want but to remember You? What could we seek but our Identity?
Sadie said,
September 18, 2009 @ 6:36 am
I am in the infancy of my recovery in Al-Anon. I have just a few weeks ago begun to work the 12 Steps with my sponsor. I can tell you it has not been easy and I have wanted to quit, run and hide more than one time but my Higher Power has helped me stay with things despite my feelings. Interestingly enough, when I sit down to read from the Big Book today, it will be with page 83 that I begin. On page 82, the big book talks about the alcoholic being a tornado in our lives; the same is true with a person who has been deeply affected by alcohol yet has not seen the path to freedom and recovery. I am eager to learn of these “Promises” of which you have referred.