12 Steps The Sequel

The Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, (Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 2001) identifies rewards that materialize as a result of working the steps. The promises, listed after Step 9, say we will experience “a new freedom and a new happiness.” The freedom is obvious. It is the result of our release from the bondage of addiction. The happiness comes in waves and only builds as you complete the steps. By completing the Sequel, you extend that happiness to its maximum level. We will no longer look back with shame and regret at our past life; we will be grateful to have escaped the obsessive compulsivity of addictive behavior. We will have gratitude. We will realize that our lives would have turned out very differently if we had not found the 12 Steps. In recovery we experience serenity. The third step teaches us to let go of the outcome so that we may remain peaceful as our lives evolve. We can focus on ourselves and let go of the desire to control others, accepting their right to follow their own path. We can live comfortably and without conflict. As the chaos in our heads quiets down, the chaos around us will cease. We are right with the world and in harmony with our true selves. We are at ease in our own skin. We are okay.