Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other codependents, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Step 12
What is the message? As Melody Beattie puts it, “our message is one of hope, love, comfort, health – a better way of life, one that works.” Our recovery is the message.
How can we carry the message best? By living the program. Being who we are and letting our Higher Power guide us. Concentrating on helping and changing ourselves instead of focusing on “helping” others. Having worked through the Steps, our lives are different. We have changed.
It’s worth noting that this Step can be done by anyone in our community even the newcomer. Some say, the Steps are in an order for a reason but any Step starting with a 1 can be done anytime. I agree. One simple way we each can do Step 12 is by attending a meeting and sharing our recovery. Your story of how recovery works for you is a powerful message.
In the CoDA Welcome it states, “our sharing is our way of identification and helps us to free the emotional bonds of our past and the compulsive control of our present.” It is a courageous act. One that leads me forward on my journey of recovery. I’m always amazed at how healing it is to share at a meeting or with others in recovery and receive the validation that I am not alone in my struggles. I feel seen, heard and accepted.
When I go to a meeting, my sharing is for me however, I always hear something in someone else’s sharing that helps me. So sharing at a meeting can secure my own recovery and carry the message of recovery to others.
Of course there are many others ways to carry the message such as ensuring literature is available at meetings, speaking and sponsoring, doing other service work in CoDA and applying the program to all other areas of our lives.
No longer do we need to feel lost or crazy. We can see ourselves and what we are doing or not doing. We experience life in a different way and we carry that message of hope to other codependents.
In this moment, I thank God for my spiritual awakening.
Step 12 Prayer
In this moment, I choose to live all the principles of this simple program. I know the wisdom working through me will touch all I meet with God’s
love and understanding. I am at peace.