We talk about participating, climbing, and working "The Steps", but ... first, do we really live it, or do we just go thru the processes and practices associated with it/to them. I have personally climbed the steps, myself... several times. But the last time was different. It was like; I really took a journey through my entire insides. See... now I know, that it is not about how long I took to climb the stairs,
"The Steps" towards not becoming who I used to be. I can't promise you, I can't tell you that I will be perfect... but ... I will not become, who I used to be. But see, the key is; that in order for me to honor that one... I have had and sometimes on a daily basis, have to have "self-talk". If I really go through "The Steps" then, I will inherit the sobriety and serenity and recovery and most of all; the tools that are deeply embedded in the process of climbing "The Steps". You get it? I can't help but be better.
The first twelve, have prepared me for the 13th. On this step, you can prepare yourself for sometimes, daily test of your internalization of the first twelve. Expect to have your soul tested, your heart examined, and your level of recovery quizzed! Expect hurt, pain, misery, anguish, embarrassment, heartache and any other synonyms that you can think of. It aint easy, but that's why, the first 12 were necessary.