Re: The NEXT 12 Steps (AA)

Hey Maya --

I always appreciate what you have to say -- but in the interest of not confusing any possible alcoholic newcomers to this forum, let me say now that the "Next 12 Steps" is not part of any AA program, nor is it AA-approved literature.

Our literature and program, however, do encompass much of what you say. For instance, the basic text of AA says that the fundamental idea of God exists in all of us -- someone said once, "God's not on the outside trying to get in, he's on the inside trying to get out!" My personal conception of a higher power often is simply a connection to others through service -- when we get rid of the thoughts, feelings, ideas, emotions, etc. -- our egos -- that are blocking us from that higher power we are able to have true relationships with others.

Someone asked if you are alcoholic. My guess is that you aren't (and I say that with great affection!), because the difference, probably, between you and me is that you can acknowledge yourself as the source of your power, whereas if I take one step inside my head, I get myself in trouble. I really, really do have to trust God and do my best to get me out of the way. Things take a terrible turn when I start thinking too much! It's a hard thing for unrecovered alcoholics and non-alcoholics to understand.

Best to all. Tweet