When I first entered the world of recovery in 1993 I was like most, apprehensive and skeptical. I had little or no idea what to expect. Truthfully I was uneasy about 12 step programs, largely guided by the awkward finality of it. I could not imagine what this one page list of “the steps” was ever going to do for me. At a glance how could all of these people in 12 step programs be so engrossed in these simple looking steps?
I was here and I knew why, so I decided to give it a try, or as we say “I surrendered.” In spite of my doubts I could see that it seemed to be working for those around me. I had nothing to lose. At some point I connected with aspects of recovery outside of the realm of program literature and as usual my sponsor and I would connect our experiences within our culture.
We continually made correlations to people like us, when I said to him that “someone should write a book about this and how it relates to Men of African Ancestry.” Not knowing exactly what I was looking for I begin reading other 12 step literature. It occurred to me then that what was missing is what was needed. That was the beginning of this small but important work.
This journey leads us to a paradigm that represents a way to interpret reality both from within and without. It was also a way to invert both ends of the blaming mechanism to a cause and effect/stimuli and response paradigm. What I discovered was not that I did (self-destructed) but why I did.
I am convinced that the “steps” represent a journey inward, and that journey is one of the best things that ever happened to me. Using spiritual principles, concepts and exercises as daily tools keeps me grounded. If it can work for me, it can work for you too.