Attitude of Gratitude: Step 12

Getting sober and working the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous has provided me with a life I never believed I could have, or even one that I deserved. I will be forever grateful to the program and the people I have met in meetings, treatment centers, and sober living homes. One of the most important aspects of the program of Alcoholics Anonymous that I am grateful for is step 12. Without step 12, I am absolutely certain I would not have been able to get, or stay, sober.Step 12: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.When I came back into the rooms of A.A. after a long relapse, I was convinced that my return would be met with looks of disgust from the members of the program. I had such a low opinion of myself, I was certain that everyone else must share that same view. I was wrong. When I came back into the rooms, I was welcomed with open arms. Some reassured me that everything was going to get better. Others told me of their experiences returning from relapse. Every single one of the people who embraced me upon my return had one goal: to help me recover. This goal is instilled in each member of A.A. as a higher purpose. We are called to seek those still suffering and through sharing our experience, strength, and hope with those still in the grips of their addiction, show them that they too can recover. I feel I will never be able to repay the debt I owe to those who welcomed me back from the grips of despair, and I will be forever grateful to them for reaching out the loving and understanding hand of A.A.. Today, I try to do for others what was once done for me, and when the opportunity to help a suffering addict or alcoholic presents itself, I am grateful to be able to carry the message and be of service.