Twelve Steps

Freedom through sobriety 02/09/2024 “Freedom through sobriety” refers to the liberation and empowerment we experience as a result of abstaining from addictive substances or behaviors. Here’s how this concept is understood within the context of the Twelve Steps: Acknowledgment of Powerlessness: The first step in the Twelve Steps involves admitting powerlessness over our addiction. By…

Objectifying vs. Noticing 02/02/2024 Many spouses question us about looking at women.  We cannot just look at the ground when we are in public.  There are beautiful and attractive women all over the world.  We need to respect them for the people they are and not objectify them.  Not just looking at body parts. The…

01/19/2024 One of the key principles in the Twelve Steps is humility.  Many ask, “How can I find humility?”. Achieving humility is a personal and ongoing process that often involves self-reflection, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn and grow. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some general principles and practices that can help…

“Live One Day at a Time” 01/05/2024 “Living One Day at a Time” is a fundamental principle that encourages us in recovery to focus on the present moment and take each day as it comes, without getting overwhelmed by past mistakes or future uncertainties. The idea of living one day at a time is found…

Fake It till You Make It 12/29/2023 The principle of “Fake It till You Make It” is not typically encouraged in the same way it might be in other self-help or personal development contexts. Twelve Step programs emphasize honesty, authenticity, and a commitment to spiritual principles. The Twelve Steps are based on a foundation of…

Serenity Prayer 12/22/2023 The Serenity Prayer is a powerful and concise expression of seeking inner peace and wisdom in the face of life’s challenges. The full Serenity Prayer is as follows:  “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to…

Forgiveness 12/15/2023 Forgiveness does not necessarily mean condoning or excusing the harmful actions of others. Instead, it is a personal choice to move beyond pain and anger, fostering a sense of inner peace and emotional healing. It can be an empowering act that contributes to personal growth, improved relationships, and healthier emotional well-being. Forgiveness can…

Turning Over to a Higher Power 12/1/2023 The concept of turning control over to a higher power is a fundamental aspect of the Twelve Steps. The idea is rooted in spiritual and personal development, helping us overcome addiction by recognizing our limitations and seeking support from a higher power. Here’s a brief overview of how…

Justified Resentment November 17,2023 Anger is considered reasonable and fair when others have crossed our boundaries, or we have been harmed.  The emotion of anger is warranted or well-founded based on a legitimate grievance. Problems occur when we do not pay attention to our feelings, we stuff or deny them, and harms go unaddressed. For…

Emotional Sobriety November 10, 2023 Emotional sobriety is a concept often associated with recovery from addiction, particularly in the context of 12-step programs. It refers to a state of emotional well-being, resilience, and maturity that we in recovery aim to achieve. Emotional sobriety involves managing our emotions in a healthy and balanced way, free from…