Trusting My Own Path: How God and the 12 Steps Guided Me

In life, people often have their opinions about how we should live. They might offer advice or tell us what they think is best. But I've learned something important through my journey with God and the 12 Steps: ultimately, I must listen to my own heart and follow my own inner guidance.

Step One: Admitting Powerlessness

When I first came to understand the 12 Steps, I learned about admitting powerlessness over alcohol or any addiction. It was a humbling experience to realize that I couldn't control everything in my life. This step taught me that sometimes, despite others' advice, I have to recognize my limitations and seek guidance from a higher power.

Step Two: Believing in a Higher Power

Believing in God, a higher power, was a crucial step for me. It meant trusting that there is a force greater than myself that can guide me through life's challenges. This belief gave me the strength to start listening to my own inner voice, rather than relying solely on what others thought I should do.

Step Three: Surrendering to God's Will

One of the most profound lessons I learned was to surrender my will to God's will. This step taught me that I don't have to follow every piece of advice or opinion that comes my way. Instead, I can trust that God has a plan for me and that by following my inner guidance, I am aligning myself with that plan.

Step Four: Taking a Moral Inventory

Taking a moral inventory helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. It showed me that while I value others' opinions, I must also trust my own judgment. This step encouraged me to reflect on how I want to live my life, rather than conforming to others' expectations.

Step Five: Admitting Wrongs

Admitting my wrongs to God, myself, and another person was a freeing experience. It taught me that I am responsible for my actions and decisions. By acknowledging my mistakes and seeking forgiveness, I learned to forgive myself and trust in my ability to make positive changes in my life.

Step Six: Willingness to Change

Step six taught me the importance of being willing to change. It showed me that growth comes from within and that I must be open to new ideas and perspectives, even if they differ from what others think I should do.

Step Seven: Humbly Asking for Help

Humbly asking God to remove my shortcomings was a transformative step. It taught me humility and reminded me that I don't have to have all the answers. By seeking guidance from God and trusting in His wisdom, I learned to rely on my own inner guidance more than on external opinions.

Step Eight: Making a List of Amends

Making a list of people I had harmed and being willing to make amends was a challenging but necessary step. It taught me that while I value others' input, I must also take responsibility for my actions and decisions. This step encouraged me to reflect on how I want to live my life, rather than conforming to others' expectations.

Step Nine: Making Amends

Making direct amends to those I had harmed was a courageous step. It taught me the importance of taking responsibility for my actions and seeking forgiveness, even when it was difficult. By making amends, I learned to forgive myself and trust in my ability to make positive changes in my life.

Step Ten: Continued Inventory

Continuing to take personal inventory and promptly admitting when I was wrong was a crucial step in my journey. It reminded me that growth is an ongoing process and that I must remain true to myself, even when faced with differing opinions.

Step Eleven: Seeking Conscious Contact

Seeking through prayer and meditation to improve my conscious contact with God was a step that deepened my spiritual connection. It taught me the importance of listening to my inner voice and trusting in God's guidance, rather than relying solely on external advice.

Step Twelve: Carrying the Message

Finally, carrying the message to others who still suffer was a fulfilling step. It taught me that by sharing my experiences and offering support to others, I could make a positive impact on their lives. This step reinforced the importance of following my own inner guidance and trusting in God's plan for me.

My journey with God and the 12 Steps has taught me that while others may have their opinions about how I should live, ultimately, I must trust my own inner guidance. By following the principles of the 12 Steps, I have learned to listen to my heart, seek God's will for me, and live authentically according to my own beliefs and values. This journey has empowered me to embrace my individuality and find strength in following the path that feels right for me.

You gottawanna live free I love you enjoy your journey feel free to move on and stop looking back share love not hate.