“We are spiritually aware. We become of service—at home, on the job, and in our fellowship of recovery.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 67

The power of working the Twelve Steps is revealed as I persevere in my recovery journey. I benefited from a thorough examination of my past, and found I can move forward unburdened from my past transgressions. I discovered that I can now lead a useful life. By developing a meaningful, ongoing relationship with a Higher Power, I learned the rewards of living by the spiritual principles my program has taught me.

Shifting my motivation away from fear and self-centeredness to the spiritually enriching values of honesty, willingness, humility, faith, courage, hope, acceptance, and forgiveness led to achieving a spiritual awakening. Being of service to my family, friends, colleagues, and fellows in recovery is a natural extension of this awakening.

It can be profoundly beneficial to be of service. Sometimes the service is easy for me; at other times it requires faith that God is taking care of me as I do things I considered unimaginable. I accept all as growth opportunities and recognize God’s blessing to have them.

Final thought: Today, I will strive to be of service as it manifests my gratitude for the gifts I have received as a result of working my recovery program.