A Spiritual Awakening: 12 Steps to Freedom

257 Pages·2004·0.6 MB·English

A Spiritual Awakening: 12 Steps to
Freedom

Terry Dunford
A Spiritual Awakening: 12 Steps to Freedom
by Terry Dunford

Copyright © 2004

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Table of Contents
CHAPTER 2: THE 12 STEP FELLOWSHIP..........................................................4
CHAPTER 3: AM I AN ADDICT?...........................................................................9
CHAPTER 4: WHY WE’RE HERE.......................................................................12
CHAPTER 5: THE HIGHER POWER CONCEPT...............................................16
CHAPTER 6: HONESTY IN RECOVERY............................................................23
CHAPTER 7: ACCEPTANCE IN RECOVERY....................................................28
CHAPTER 8: GROWTH IN RECOVERY..........................................................34
CHAPTER 9: THE SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.........................................................44
CHAPTER 10: INSPIRING THOUGHTS.............................................................50
CHAPTER 11: VICTORY OF THE MIND............................................................57
CHAPTER 12: THE FIRST STEP.........................................................................65
CHAPTER 13: THE SECOND STEP....................................................................83
CHAPTER 14: THE THIRD STEP........................................................................96
CHAPTER 15: THE FOURTH STEP................................................................107
CHAPTER 16: THE FIFTH STEP......................................................................119
CHAPTER 17: THE SIXTH STEP.....................................................................134
CHAPTER 18: THE SEVENTH STEP................................................................143
CHAPTER 19: THE EIGHTH STEP...................................................................151
CHAPTER 20: THE NINTH STEP......................................................................159
CHAPTER 21: THE TENTH STEP.....................................................................168
CHAPTER 22: THE ELEVENTH STEP.............................................................176
CHAPTER 23: THE TWELFTH STEP...............................................................186
Table of Content | i
CHAPTER 24: SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES IN ACTION....................................195
CHAPTER 25: PERSISTENCE IN RECOVERY................................................224
CHAPTER 26: A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING.................................................233

ii | Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction

The 12 Step Fellowship has
saved my life. By applying the
suggestions of the program, I have
been transformed into a positive
and enlightened person, who is full
of hope that you too can gain the
level of understanding that I have
by working the program. If you
have an addiction, whether it’s
alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, or
whatever, then this book is for you.
The general principles of the 12
Step program is discussed, as I
share my experience, strength, and
hope to all who desire positive
change.
I am an active member of the
12 Step Fellowship, and I’ve done
extensive research on all aspects
of recovery, personal growth,
spiritual development, and positive
Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship | 1
change. It is my intention to share
the knowledge that I’ve gained, so
that you too can gain the level of
awareness and understanding that
can lead to you a successful
recovery. Most addicts, alcoholics,
and the like have tried to quit on
their own, and it is nearly
impossible to stay clean and sober
without the loving support of the
12 Step Fellowship. This is a
proven program of success, and
with it, you can’t go wrong.
The information in this book
was design to give you basic
knowledge and awareness of the 12
Step program. Not only will you be
led through each of the 12 Steps,
but you will also be given my
personal thoughts and feelings on
each topic as it has applied to my
recovery. I’ve lived and worked
this program of recovery, and I am
grateful for the opportunity to
2 | Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship
share my experience, strength, and
hope. I am a real recovering
addict and alcoholic, who has lived
and applied these principles in my
own recovery. Now it is my hope
that you too can achieve victory in
your own recovery. I will show
you the way to true peace,
personal fulfillment, and spiritual
enhancement. You too can obtain a
spiritual awakening, as you apply
the 12 Steps to Freedom.
Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship | 3
Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship

I am so grateful today. From
the moment I surrendered, and
stopped offering resistance, I have
been given the opportunity to live
anew. Yielding to the power of God
has been a lifesaver. I had to
forfeit my pride, admit defeat, and
succumb to a Power greater than
myself. I was able to trust God
with my life, and to rely on Him for
the direction I needed. I had a
genuine desire to change, the
opportunity to form into a
spiritual being – a clean, sober,
responsible, loving person. My
newfound commitment to positive
growth was overwhelming, driving
me to adhere to the principles of
the 12 Steps. I completely devoted
myself to living in sobriety, to do
whatever I needed to do to stay
4 | Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship
clean and sober. I was inspired to
renew my mind, body, and spirit. I
gained the courage to meet
dangers and difficulties without
fear. I was bold in my
determination to achieve renewal.
I learned how to be humble, to
regain freedom from pride and
arrogance. I accepted
circumstances that I had no
control over. By applying these
principles in my daily walk, I
started to feel uninhibited and
unburdened. A new freedom had
overtaken me, enveloping me with
its serenity and grace.
Did all of this enlightenment
and understanding hit me all at
once? Absolutely not; however, as I
kept steadfast in my pursuit for
personal growth, ongoing sobriety,
and peace of mind, I progressively
stepped forward in my journey. I
continued along this path by
Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship | 5
keeping focused and from
persistently moving forward in my
recovery. By enduring trials, and
exercising forbearance I was able
to persevere. Patience is an
important virtue to maintain while
in recovery. Easy does it. It isn’t
necessary to completely change
overnight, and it isn’t possible as
far as I’m concerned. To my fellow
addicts: Take it easy. Be resolute
in your search for freedom from
addictive addiction and alcoholism.
Be teachable and open to new ways
of living. Apply the suggestions
offered through the Fellowship.
Trust, and come to know your
Higher Power. Work the 12 Steps.
Read the literature. Share your
experience, strength and hope with
your fellow addicts and alcoholics.
As for me, I have to attend a
meeting every night; it keeps me
sober one more day. If I do
6 | Chapter 2: The 12 Step Fellowship