A Spiritual Awakening: 12 Steps to Freedom - Recovery Times

1 A Spiritual Awakening: 12 steps to Freedom Terry Dunford A Spiritual Awakening: 12 steps to Freedom by Terry Dunford Copyright 2004 Online editions may also be available for this title. For more information, please visit us at Lulu Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved by the author. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers and/or authors.

2 While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, Lulu Enterprises assumes no responsibilities for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. The appearance and contents of this book are the sole responsibility of the author. Table of Content | i Table of Contents CHAPTER 2: the 12 step 4 CHAPTER 3: AM I AN ADDICT?.. 9 CHAPTER 4: WHY WE RE 12 CHAPTER 5: THE HIGHER POWER 16 CHAPTER 6: HONESTY IN 23 CHAPTER 7: ACCEPTANCE IN 28 CHAPTER 8: GROWTH IN 34 CHAPTER 9: THE Spiritual 44 CHAPTER 10: INSPIRING 50 CHAPTER 11: VICTORY OF THE 57 CHAPTER 12: THE FIRST 65 CHAPTER 13: THE SECOND 83 CHAPTER 14: THE THIRD 96 CHAPTER 15: THE FOURTH step .

3 107 CHAPTER 16: THE FIFTH 119 CHAPTER 17: THE SIXTH step .. 134 CHAPTER 18: THE SEVENTH 143 CHAPTER 19: THE EIGHTH 151 CHAPTER 20: THE NINTH 159 CHAPTER 21: THE TENTH 168 CHAPTER 22: THE ELEVENTH 176 CHAPTER 23: THE TWELFTH 186 ii | Table of Contents CHAPTER 24: Spiritual PRINCIPLES IN 195 CHAPTER 25: PERSISTENCE IN 224 CHAPTER 26: A Spiritual AWAKENING .. 233 Chapter 2: the 12 step Fellowship | 1 Chapter 1: Introduction the 12 step Fellowship has saved my life. By applying the suggestions of the program, I have been transformed into a positive and enlightened person, who is full of hope that you too can gain the level of understanding that I have by working the program.

4 If you have an addiction, whether it s alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, or whatever, then this book is for you. The general principles of the 12 step program is discussed, as I share my experience, strength, and hope to all who desire positive change. I am an active member of the 12 step Fellowship, and I ve done extensive research on all aspects of Recovery , personal growth, Spiritual development, and positive 2 | Chapter 2: the 12 step Fellowship change. It is my intention to share the knowledge that I ve gained, so that you too can gain the level of awareness and understanding that can lead to you a successful Recovery .

5 Most addicts, alcoholics, and the like have tried to quit on their own, and it is nearly impossible to stay clean and sober without the loving support of the 12 step Fellowship. This is a proven program of success, and with it, you can t go wrong. The information in this book was design to give you basic knowledge and awareness of the 12 step program. Not only will you be led through each of the 12 steps , but you will also be given my personal thoughts and feelings on each topic as it has applied to my Recovery .

6 I ve lived and worked this program of Recovery , and I am grateful for the opportunity to Chapter 2: the 12 step Fellowship | 3 share my experience, strength, and hope. I am a real recovering addict and alcoholic, who has lived and applied these principles in my own Recovery . Now it is my hope that you too can achieve victory in your own Recovery . I will show you the way to true peace, personal fulfillment, and Spiritual enhancement. You too can obtain a Spiritual awakening, as you apply the 12 steps to Freedom .

7 4 | Chapter 2: the 12 step Fellowship Chapter 2: the 12 step Fellowship I am so grateful today. From the moment I surrendered, and stopped offering resistance, I have been given the opportunity to live anew. Yielding to the power of God has been a lifesaver. I had to forfeit my pride, admit defeat, and succumb to a Power greater than myself. I was able to trust God with my life, and to rely on Him for the direction I needed. I had a genuine desire to change, the opportunity to form into a Spiritual being a clean, sober, responsible, loving person.

8 My newfound commitment to positive growth was overwhelming, driving me to adhere to the principles of the 12 steps . I completely devoted myself to living in sobriety, to do whatever I needed to do to stay Chapter 2: the 12 step Fellowship | 5 clean and sober. I was inspired to renew my mind, body, and spirit. I gained the courage to meet dangers and difficulties without fear. I was bold in my determination to achieve renewal. I learned how to be humble, to regain Freedom from pride and arrogance.

9 I accepted circumstances that I had no control over. By applying these principles in my daily walk, I started to feel uninhibited and unburdened. A new Freedom had overtaken me, enveloping me with its serenity and grace. Did all of this enlightenment and understanding hit me all at once? Absolutely not; however, as I kept steadfast in my pursuit for personal growth, ongoing sobriety, and peace of mind, I progressively stepped forward in my journey.

10 I continued along this path by 6 | Chapter 2: the 12 step Fellowship keeping focused and from persistently moving forward in my Recovery . By enduring trials, and exercising forbearance I was able to persevere. Patience is an important virtue to maintain while in Recovery . Easy does it. It isn t necessary to completely change overnight, and it isn t possible as far as I m concerned. To my fellow addicts: Take it easy. Be resolute in your search for Freedom from addictive addiction and alcoholism.