In life, we all seek happiness. Some of us think it's something far away, like a treasure waiting to be found at the end of a rainbow. Others, though, discover that true happiness grows right where they stand, step by step. This is a lesson I learned through my journey with the 12 Steps.
Step 1: Admitting Powerlessness The journey began with admitting I couldn't control everything around me. Like a ship caught in a storm, I realized I couldn't change the weather, but I could adjust my sails. This step taught me that true power comes from accepting my limitations and focusing on what I can change within myself.
Step 2: Believing in a Higher Power I struggled with this step at first. I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. But as I opened my mind, I began to see that there's something greater than myself guiding me—a force that helps me find peace amidst chaos.
Step 3: Surrendering to a Greater Will Letting go of my need to control was tough. I wanted to map out my entire life, but I learned to trust in a higher plan. It's like planting seeds and trusting they'll grow, even if I can't see the roots taking hold beneath the surface.
Step 4: Taking a Moral Inventory This step was like cleaning out a messy closet. I had to sort through my actions and attitudes, facing things I'd rather ignore. But in doing so, I found clarity and a path to becoming a better person.
Step 5: Admitting Wrongs Confessing my mistakes wasn't easy. It meant owning up to where I'd fallen short and being willing to make amends. But in this vulnerability, I discovered the power of honesty and the freedom that comes with facing the truth.
Step 6: Being Ready to Change Change isn't just about saying sorry; it's about actively becoming a better person. Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, I embraced the discomfort of growth, knowing that beauty emerges from struggle.
Step 7: Asking for Help I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness. But through the support of my sponsor and my group, I realized it's a strength. Like a tree bending in the wind, I learned to lean on others without fear of breaking.
Step 8: Making a List of Wrongs This step taught me about accountability and empathy. It's like preparing to clean up a mess I made, gathering the tools needed to repair relationships and restore trust.
Step 9: Making Amends Apologizing isn't just about saying sorry; it's about making things right. I learned that actions speak louder than words and that humility opens doors to forgiveness.
Step 10: Continuing to Take Inventory Self-reflection became a habit—a way to check my compass and stay on course. Like a sailor adjusting sails, I learned to course-correct when I veered off track, keeping myself accountable along the way.
Step 11: Seeking Spiritual Growth This step taught me the power of quiet reflection and prayer. It's like tending to a garden, nurturing my soul and finding peace in moments of stillness.
Step 12: Carrying the Message Helping others became my purpose. Like passing a torch in a relay race, I shared what I'd learned, knowing that guiding others toward happiness brings joy beyond measure.
Through these steps, I discovered that happiness isn't a distant dream but a journey we take every day. It's about growing from within, nurturing our spirits, and finding strength in surrender. The foolish seek happiness in far-off places, but the wise know it blossoms beneath their feet, in every step of their journey through life.
I love you - you gottawanna be free let it go life is too short.
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