The Step Book states on page 108:

“The theme of the Twelfth Step is the joy of living, and its key is action. Here, we turn towards our suffering alcoholic brothers. Here we experience what it means to give – without the hope of receiving something in return. Here we begin to practice the Twelve Steps in our daily lives so that both we and our environment can achieve balanced sobriety. Reflecting on the full significance of the Twelfth Step, we become aware that this is essentially a love that bears no price tag. The Twelfth Step also asserts that as a result of practicing all the previous Steps, we experience something: we call this a spiritual awakening.”  
So what have I experienced?

As a result of the steps, I have experienced a spiritual awakening, and I am trying to bring this message to those still suffering and apply these principles in all areas of my life.

As part of this:

I have experienced spiritual awakening, or phases of it.
I have realized that there is something to love in everyone.
I have understood what serenity is and have come to know peace.
Through the steps, I have developed my own spiritual principles.
I try to apply these principles continuously in everyday situations.
I have formed my own concept of God as I understand Him.
I try to carry the message to those who are still suffering.
Guide to the Step:

As an introduction to working this step:

Study the 12th step in the "Step Book."
Attend meetings where the 12th step is discussed.
Talk to your sponsor about the 12th step.

12.1. I have experienced spiritual awakening, or phases of it.

What is spiritual awakening? The "Step Book" states on page 108: "There are probably as many definitions of spiritual awakening as there are people who have experienced it. Yet, all true spiritual awakenings have common features. These are not too difficult to recognize. When someone experiences a spiritual awakening, it enables them to act, feel, and believe in ways that they could not in the past by relying on their own strength. They receive a gift that brings about a new state of consciousness and being. They feel as if they have stepped onto a new path that does not lead to a dead end. They also feel that they no longer have to struggle bitterly through life. In the truest sense, they have undergone a transformation, for they have tapped into a source of power that they had previously denied themselves. They feel they have reached a level of honesty, patience, selflessness, and love that they once thought was beyond them.

They have received a gift, for which they have, to some extent, prepared themselves (through practicing the steps)." For my part, I have continuously experienced spiritual awakening while taking the steps. I went through smaller and larger enlightenments, awakenings, and "aha" moments as I progressed on the path of spiritual growth. Looking back, I can distinguish 7 different steps, though the boundaries are not sharp:

When I accepted in the First Step that I am an alcoholic, I felt that I had received grace. I was saved from eternal suffering. From my spiritual readings at that time, I took thoughts that appealed to me because they described this state of mind (of acceptance of the world and myself) well. I repeated these thoughts often to myself, for example:

Acceptance of the unacceptable is the greatest source of grace.
Whatever comes, accept it! Whatever goes, let it! That's all there is to it.
With the Second Step, the thought strengthened in me that I do not need to judge others, and that my little life is not the most important thing in the world. There is more to this. It's not about what I feel, think, or want. There are Higher Powers that can help me grow. From my readings at the time, the following (uplifting) thoughts appealed to me:

There is no "I," there is no problem.
I am not my body.
I am not my thoughts.

While practicing the Third Step (turning my life over to God), I realized that it's best if His will prevails, and I began to give thanks for everything—even things others take for granted. I realized that the best antidote to depression is gratitude. My favorite sayings at this time were:

Gloria in Excelsis Deo!
Glory to God in the highest!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Glory to God alone!

In working the Fourth and Fifth Steps, I succeeded in forgiving everyone. I realized the insignificance of the past. I also realized that everyone is lovable because, in some way, I can see myself in them. During this period, I often repeated the following:

I am one with everything and everyone.
The recognition of oneness is love.
Love wants nothing and fears nothing.

In the Sixth and Seventh Steps, I realized that my own mind, and the deeply rooted thoughts in it, had been preventing me from experiencing earthly happiness. My ego (self-centered thinking) caused me the most suffering. This realization led me to understand and know serenity and joy of life. The mantras that best describe my spiritual state at that time were:

Situations don't make you unhappy. Thoughts do.
I needed suffering until I realized it was unnecessary.
After completing the Eighth and Ninth Steps, I made peace with the world. I realized that from now on, my inner peace cannot be threatened by anything outside of myself. Since then, I have lived in peace with myself and others. I also realized that this is the greatest gift I have ever received. But that's not all! I also realized that:

My inner peace is the most valuable gift I can give to the world!

While practicing the Tenth and Eleventh Steps, I realized that I don't have to follow the path dictated by my conditioned ego. I can walk my own path while helping others along theirs. My favorite realizations:

I don't have to do anything.
I don't have to be anything.

My self-image has solidified. Today, I know the answers to the fundamental questions:

Who am I?:
I am the blessed Son of God!

What am I?:
I am the way, the truth, and the life!

Guide to this part of the step:

Write down (or reflect on) what the following concepts mean to you:

• Spiritual
• Awakening
• Enlightenment
• Self

Write down (or reflect on):

• What makes our lives spiritual?
• What is spiritual growth?
• What does spiritual awakening mean?

Have you ever felt anything like this? If so, write down your experience:

• There is hope!
• I have received grace!
• I don't need more suffering!
• There is God! • I am not afraid!
• I love! • PEACE!

12.2. I realized that there is something to love in everyone.

I first realized that love:

Is not an emotion,
Is not a need,
Is not a tool,
But rather:

An attitude,
A mindset,
A behavior we can choose.

While working through the steps, my way of thinking completely transformed, and with it, my thoughts, feelings, actions, and overall behavior also changed:

Today, I accept people as they are.
I try not to judge and aim to be understanding of everyone.
I can now give without expecting anything in return.
I can forgive anyone for any mistake.
I know that sin does not exist.

The more spiritual books I read (including AA literature, of course), the more I strengthened my belief in the "Christ within us," who teaches:

Everyone is good!
Everyone can be forgiven!
There is something in everyone that resembles me!
I resemble everyone in some way!
There is something to love in everyone!

I often practice this at meetings. While someone shares their thoughts, I think about what I love about them or what I could love. It's impossible not to find some common ground! Something that resembles me. Or something in which I resemble them.

I read somewhere: "The recognition of unity is LOVE."

It's a wonderful thing to know that I am ONE with everything and everyone. To not want anything from anyone. Just to give! To not fear anyone. Just to love! Love and fear cannot coexist. If I can love someone unconditionally, then I do not fear them.

I have reinforced this attitude in myself through a lot of practice. As I mentioned in Step 11, I often do a "love meditation" before bed. I sit down, relax, close my eyes, and visualize someone I want to send love energy to. Then I imagine smiling at them, and they smile back. I wave to them, and they wave back kindly. I jump for joy at seeing them, and they do the same. I go to them, we shake hands, and laugh together.

We hug each other, both of us smiling from ear to ear. We love each other. I repeat this with 8-10 people. I make sure it’s not just my closest loved ones, but also people I don’t particularly like (like an annoying acquaintance) or those with whom I have a neutral relationship (for example, my boss).

I wish you good practice!

Guide for this step:

Reflect on and write down:

What is love? What is not love?
Do you accept everyone as they are?
Can you always give without expecting something in return?
Can you forgive anyone for any mistake?
Do you still believe in the existence of sin?
What do you think of these thoughts:

Everyone can be forgiven!
Everyone is good!
There is something to love in everyone!

12.3 I have understood what serenity is and found peace.

The feelings of serenity (as referred to in the Big Book) and peace gradually developed in me through the steps. In the Third Step, I began practicing the Serenity Prayer, and slowly I realized that:

I cannot change the world. And it’s not necessary.
I cannot change others. And it’s not necessary.
The only thing I can change is my own mindset. This is all I need. This is wisdom.

Through the Sixth and Seventh Steps, I began to weed out deeply rooted misconceptions in my mind that had been hindering my experience of earthly happiness. I started to recognize and let go of self-centered thinking:

Ego-driven behaviors,
Self-centered desires,
False identifications.

These realizations and practices led to a complete transformation of my self-awareness (self-image) and an understanding of the concept of serenity and joyful tranquility.

After completing the Eighth and Ninth Steps, I made peace with the world because I realized that:

Forgiveness dispels resentment,
Letting go of expectations prevents disappointment,
Mistakes can always be corrected,
Sin does not exist,
Making amends makes the world better.

I realized that after this, nothing outside of myself can threaten my inner peace. Since then, I’ve lived in peace with myself and others. I’m grateful to God for this gift.

My inner peace is the most valuable gift I can offer the world!

Guide for this step:

Reflect on and write down what the following concepts mean to you:

Serenity,
Peace,
Wisdom.
Reflect on and write about:

What realizations can the Serenity Prayer lead to?
Can recognizing and letting go of the ego lead to inner peace?
How do making amends contribute to inner peace?

Write down any experiences you’ve had that confirm:

Nothing outside of yourself can threaten your inner peace.
Your inner peace is a great gift to the whole world.

12.4 Through the steps, I have developed my own spiritual principles.


My spiritual principles gradually developed within me through the steps. I summarized them during the practice of my 12th step:

1. ACCEPTANCE

When I accepted in the First Step that I am an alcoholic, I felt like I had received grace. I was saved from eternal suffering. Since then, I try to accept things and people as they are. In every moment, I strive to accept the present as it is.

AA slogan: “Just for today!”
My slogan: “It's good here, now!”

2. UNDERSTANDING

In the Second Step, I strengthened the thought that I don't have to judge others or label them, but instead, I should aim for understanding. I don't need to think that I'm always right or try to control others. Higher Powers are in control.

AA slogan: “Live and let live!”
My slogan: “He is good!”

3. SELFLESSNESS

By practicing the Third Step, I realized that it's best if God’s will prevails, and I began to give thanks for everything. I started giving without hidden motives, giving freely what I received freely.

AA slogan: “I am a grateful alcoholic.”
My slogan: “Giving is good!”

4. LOVE
Through the Fourth and Fifth Steps, I was able to forgive everyone. I realized the insignificance of the past and that everyone is lovable because we are all one.

AA slogan: “You can love something about everyone!”
My slogan: “Everyone is good!”

5. JOY / SERENITY

In the Sixth and Seventh Steps, I realized that most of my suffering was caused by the ego. My own mind and the deeply rooted misconceptions within it blocked me from experiencing serenity and joy. I started recognizing and letting go of unnecessary things.

AA slogan: “Let go, let God!”
My slogan: “Living is good!”

6. PEACE

After completing the Eighth and Ninth Steps, I made peace with the world. I realized that nothing outside of me can threaten my inner peace. Since then, I have lived in peace with myself and others.

AA slogan: “We understand what serenity is and come to know peace.”
My slogan: “I am good!”

7. MY OWN PATH

Through practicing the Tenth and Eleventh Steps, I realized that I don’t have to walk the path outlined by the “old programs.” I can walk my own path, helping others along theirs too.

AA slogan: “Be true to yourself!”
My slogan: “I’m on the right path!”

Exercise for this step:

Write down (or reflect on) what the following concepts mean to you:

Willingness
Acceptance
Understanding
Selflessness
Love
Joy
Peace
Independence
Reflect on the following questions:

Have you accepted the present moment as it is? (“Just for today!”)
Have you given up the desire to control others? (“Live and let live!”)
Can you give thanks for anything you receive? (“I am a grateful alcoholic!”)
Can you give without hidden motives? (“Freely you received, freely give!”)
Are you beginning to feel your oneness with everything? (“We love you!”)
How are you doing with recognizing and letting go of your ego’s misconceptions? (“Let go, let God!”)
Can you live in peace with yourself and others? (“We come to know peace!”)
Is your own self-image starting to form? (“Be true to yourself!”)

Try to formulate your own spiritual principles!
…
…
…

12.5. I try to continuously apply my core principles in everyday situations.

Here’s how I apply and practice the spiritual principles outlined in the previous section:

1. ACCEPTANCE (Just for Today! – Live in the present moment!)

I try to live in the present. I don't dwell on the past, nor do I search for the future. I practice the following affirmations:

I accept the “suchness” of the present moment.
One thing is certain: it is always now.
What comes, accept; what goes, let go.
It’s good here, now!

2. UNDERSTANDING (Live and Let Live!)

I do not condemn myself or others for mistakes. I don’t declare sin when someone errs. I practice the following affirmations:

I don’t need to be right.
No self, no problem.
I have no conflict with anyone.
I do not judge or label.
He is good!

3. SELFLESSNESS (I am a grateful alcoholic!)

I give thanks for having encountered AA. I am grateful for things that others might take for granted. I try to give as much as I can to others without any hidden motives. I practice the following affirmations:

Glory to God in the highest!
To God alone be the glory!
By giving to others, we receive.
Giving is good!

4. LOVE (You can love something about everyone!)

I love unconditionally. I recognize the insignificance of the past. I forgive everyone. I practice the following affirmations:

I forgive them because they know not what they do.
I am one with everything and everyone.
The recognition of unity is love.
Love wants nothing and fears nothing.
Everyone is good!

5. SERENITY (Let Go – Let God!)

I recognize and release my ego-driven behaviors. I radiate joy and happiness to everyone. I practice the following affirmations:

Situations don’t make me unhappy; only my thoughts do.
I needed suffering until I realized it was unnecessary.
Living is good!

6. PEACE (We come to know peace!)

I live in peace with myself and others. I try not to disturb others' inner peace. I practice the following affirmations:

My inner peace is the most valuable gift I can give to the world.
I am not my body, my thoughts, or my emotions.
I am not the thinker, but the being.
I am good!
I am.

7. PATH, LIFE (Be True to Yourself!)

I walk my own path and help others along theirs. I recognize the voice of the ego and also hear God's. I choose the latter.

I practice the following affirmations:

I do not have to walk the path set by the conditioned ego.
I don’t have to do anything.
I don’t have to be anything.
I am God’s holy Son.
I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!
I’m on the right path!

Guidance for this step section:

Outline your spiritual principles and associate them with affirmations, for example:

Acceptance: a. Just for Today! b. I accept the world as created by God as it is. c. Whatever comes, I accept. Whatever leaves, I let go.

Understanding: a. Live and Let Live! b. I do not judge, criticize, or label. c. Etc.

Write these down everywhere and practice them continuously!

12.6. My conception of God according to my own understanding has developed.

In Step 3, I wrote that I became willing to entrust the direction of my life to God as I understand Him.

After deciding that from then on, "God will be the director of the play of my life, He is the boss, I am the employee," I started thinking about what my "own" God is like.
What characteristics make Him worthy of entrusting my life to His care? After reading AA literature and various spiritual writings, I arrived at the following conclusions:

My God:

Is always present.
Does not judge.
Gives everything.
Loves and forgives.
Radiates joy.
Brings peace.
Shows the way.

This image of God began to form in me during Step 3. The subsequent steps strengthened it. This concept of God became the foundation of the spiritual principles I try to apply in all aspects of my life today. I realized that God expects nothing from me except that I act like Him:

God is always present, always with me, so I try to live in the present to be with Him.
God does not judge me or others, so I do not judge myself or others for their mistakes.
God gives me everything I need, so I try to give as much as I can to others.
God loves everyone and everything, forgives me and others, so I love and forgive unconditionally.
God radiates joy and happiness onto me and others, so I radiate joy and happiness to everyone.
God brings peace to me and others, so I live in peace with myself and others.
God shows me and others the way, so I walk my own path and help others along theirs.
Guidance for this step section:

Write down (or think about):

What does your conception of God look like according to your own understanding?
What does He mean to you? What does He give you?
How do your spiritual principles relate to your concept of God?
Write down any experiences that support the idea that:

Our concept of God greatly influences our spiritual health.
Having your own understanding of God can be more beneficial than adopting a religious image.

12.7. I try to carry the message to those still suffering.

Finally, I summarize how, since I started the path of sobriety (August 18, 2008), I have tried to carry the message to those still suffering:

Personal Sharing: At AA meetings, gatherings, and message sessions at institutions, I frequently volunteer to speak. I share my experiences, feelings, thoughts, and attitudes. I do not hide my past as an active alcoholic from those I know. If someone is interested, I gladly talk to them about AA, our program, and the steps.

Electronic Sharing: Using the internet, I share my experiences on community forums, especially in the Facebook group "12 Steps." Previously, these shares were linked to the Daily Reflections, but now they are specifically related to the 12 steps. I often comment on others' shares. I also happily respond to private (Messenger) messages.

Service: In Budapest, I led meetings at various locations for 4 years. I organized and led slogan meetings and step meetings. I frequently gave introductory talks at other meetings and regional gatherings. Currently, I am developing Step Guides in the Facebook "12 Steps" group for those who want to work seriously on the steps. I also share my experiences in various other support groups, such as Just For Today, Alcoholics Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, CoDA, and the Hawkins Learning Group.

Sponsorship: I have a few sponsees, mainly in Hungary, who often ask for advice regarding the steps. I currently live in England and maintain contact with my sponsees electronically (via Messenger). We also work on the steps through Google Drive and other cloud services.

For me, the principles of message-carrying are as follows:

A) Content principle: I don’t usually talk much about how I drank. Of course, that’s not a secret either, but—following the suggestions of our predecessors—I prefer to talk about:

How I came to AA.
How I stay sober; how I work the steps.

B) Form principle: The Big Book says on page 88: "Never talk down to an alcoholic from any moral or spiritual hilltop. Simply lay out the spiritual tools for his inspection. Show him how they worked with you."

I strive for this.

Guidance for this step section:

Write down (or think about) how you use the following methods of carrying the message:

Personal sharing
Electronic sharing
Service
Sponsorship
Other forms?
How do you try to apply your spiritual principles in your message-carrying?

12.8. Review Questions – Step 12

Finally, do a little self-check. Answer the following questions for yourself:

Have you already experienced a spiritual awakening or some of its phases?
Have you realized that there is something lovable in everyone?
Have you understood what serenity is? Have you found peace?
Have spiritual principles developed within you as a result of the steps?
Do you try to continuously apply them in everyday situations?
Have you formed your own concept of God?
Do you try to carry the message to still-suffering alcoholics?

Brief explanations of the review questions for Step 12:

Spiritual awakening can also be gradual; it doesn’t have to be a sudden enlightenment.

Love is feeling the unity with everything.
Your spiritual peace is the greatest gift you can give to the world.
They have surely formed. Try to articulate them.
The key to growth is continuous practice.
It surely has formed. It’s okay if you can’t articulate it.
Spread the word about our program!
Wishing you continued progress:

Csaba
Bristol (UK), 2022.09.03.
AA