Twelve-Steppin’

 I am in a couple of 12-step groups, and I probably qualify for several more. Right now, I’ll limit myself to the ones I attend, but the principles work for all aspects of my life. No one needs to say “I’m so-and-so, and I’m a whatever” in order to benefit from the very basic—but oh, so profound—concepts encapsulated within those 12 steps which are the foundation of every one of the over 130 different types of groups.

So, the whole purpose of any of these groups is to have a spiritual awakening. I go because I had a specific problem. It has been and continues to be acknowledged and dealt with. I stay because it offers me a spiritual way of living my life and of viewing all that I experience. All of life is holy. All experiences are the curriculum of this life school, and how I respond is the way I show either growth or where attention is needed.

Life can give us some pretty difficult situations. Without a spiritual basis of operating, the temptation is to return to the old default setting of ineffective and self-destructive behavior, leaving damage in my wake. This is my truth, anyway, and I know I’m not alone, because within the ‘rooms’, all are free to share their own struggles and victories, free from judgement or unhelpful, unsolicited suggestions. I hear ‘my story’ as they share theirs.

I have learned to remove the masks I used to wear, and just be free to be myself. I am who I am, and I am enough. I love who I am today, thanks to the work I’ve done, the people I’ve worked with, and the brave souls who expose their own frailties and solutions.

Today, I’m grateful to be dancing the 12-Step Boogie!