Hi again, Carole, Alcoholic
 Step 12:  Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of there steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
            Now that I have taken so much from all 11 steps it is now time to give some back.  I am obligated to help those in need. I have been through all the pain of addiction and working on recovery, who better to help someone in need. How gratifying it is to see someone grow the way I did.
            I will keep growing by helping.  I will keep learning by helping.   I can be there for support.  I know the feelings of despair and self destruction.  I know my triggers that can make me fall of the road to sobriety. I have changed the way I live.
            By helping others it reminds me of where I was and where I don’t want to be any more.  We tend to forget what we have gone through and by helping someone it brings reality back.  We can never take 1 drink, 1 hit, 1 drag.  This is a progressive disease.  As we watch those who stumble we can be there to pick up the pieces and help them start again. This program is truly a miracle.  Meeting are very important.  Helping at meeting are a way to guarantee that you will be there.  I have a sponsor who keeps me on the right road.  I sponsor to keep me on the right road
           I have just celebrated my 9th year of sobriety and I look back and say wow, I can’t believe that it has been that long.  I think of my life before and where I am now.  One step at a time, one day at a time.  It all adds up.
            Good luck to all of you who are struggling.  Keep on trying and it will happen for you.