By: Jerry Green | Recovery Services Manager
I have heard Steps 10 and 11 referred to as the maintenance steps. For me, they are growth steps. As I begin to live in Steps 10, 11, and 12, my relationship with my Higher Power starts to strengthen. The daily rituals come more naturally, and I begin to develop a sixth sense: my communication with God.
It didn’t come naturally at first. I had to practice.
Practice always leads to growth, no matter what the activity is. We allow God to discipline us through these repetitive actions. Discipline was what was missing in my life for so many years.
Practicing self-awareness of my behavior causes pain when my behaviors do not align with principles. I don’t like pain. The pain of living separated from my Creator and being dependent on changing how I felt drove me to seek the Solution in the first place.
Pain was, and still can be a great motivator.
When I experience pain, I am willing to do whatever it takes to find freedom from the pain.
As my spiritual life grows as a result of practicing these principles in all of my affairs, pain starts to be replaced by Peace. As I continue to watch for selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, and fear, I can ask God to remove them and turn my thoughts to someone I can help. I can make amends quickly. I can act with Love and Tolerance, even if I don’t feel loving and tolerant. These actions begin to change my perception.
Doing morning prayers and meditation becomes a joy rather than a chore.
Evening reviews help me to grow and see progress in my walk. With reflection, the ability to pause when agitated or doubtful becomes easier and more familiar. And then the blessing of all blessings occurs as a result of living life based on principles rather than feelings and emotions. I am able to start giving back what was so freely given to me.
The chance to make a difference in someone else’s life, and the ability to show them what I did to develop this personal relationship with God, is the greatest blessing I have ever experienced.
Joy, Peace, Freedom, and Happiness that I never knew existed—all gifts from my Creator.
To sum all of this up. My life today is not about maintaining my sobriety, which I was never successful at doing anyway. My life today is about stumbling down this path imperfectly but persistently with a God-given purpose. It is all absolutely beautiful!
Origins Recovery Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1019.
