After the meeting today and later on I picked up something that I don’t often think enough about. And that’s the reverse side of the Twelfth Step. When the person, who is suffering, either from alcohol, or is in the program, but has problems they need to share and possibly get the help they need.
I have to remember, when thinking about the reverse side of the coin, that the “Twelfth Stepper” is being helped also. The sponsor or whoever it is being shared with. It’s a reminder to me that we’re here to practice this spiritual life in here with everyone.
Once again I was reminded of this at the meeting today. We had a few coming back after they had gone back out. I know this is a difficult place to be in. Mainly, as I have watched over time, this is an up in the air thing. Sometimes they stay and sometimes they just come back and then go right back out. Tough. I know that because over time I have seen the fatal nature of this disease. And sometimes the destructive nature to the physical and mental states.
Anyway I knew from those sharing today how much it meant to them. They were seriously trying to share their own stories to help open their minds and help them to get sober. And a lot of those I was watching after the meeting, who were Twelfth Stepping them on a personal basis. I could see a couple of positive reactions. Not just from those coming back, but others I knew who were recent to this program. Gave me a positive feeling. I even got an opportunity to talk briefly to a couple of these.
Anyway I was reminded that the Twelfth Step is a two way street. And when that’s true there is often positive results. Seen that a lot through my time in here. Always gives me hope. And hope is the beginning of extending faith in this program for me. And just as often it opens the door to compassion and love in here. Friendship over time.
I was just thinking about the positive aspects to this program and the people in it. When I stop and think it fills me with peace and gratitude. And it opens the door within me to why I and others in this program are here. We’re here to stay sober a day at a time. My hope is that I will never forget that. It’s why I try to think about this each and everyday. To take the time to commit myself to this way of life. I never want to drink alcohol ever again. And I want to live and enjoy this way of life.