The 12 after 12 is an asset-based recovery program. This second set of steps, derived from a traditional twelve step program, places a strong emphasis on what is working for us in recovery. We identify and strengthen our assets of character, those innate qualities that make recovery possible. By shifting the focus to our blessings and possibilities, we reinforce our sense of core value as human beings. We find ourselves empowered and, in turn, have a greater sense of conscious contact with the sacred and a deeper understanding of our spiritual experiences. The 12 after 12 steps provide a structure and process in which we can freely explore the people we are becoming through this transformation.
We are, at this time, a growing community based in Minneapolis. The steps themselves were refined through our group conscience. We are working to develop the ideas and text. So the emergence of our program is rooted in a truly organic movement of perception. Many of us feel that we have struggled with unmet needs in recovery and that these steps give us a more integrated approach to work with.
Many of us employ a 24 step program, implementing both the original twelve steps and our additional set together on a daily basis. We are noticing extraordinary changes in how we view ourselves and the world around us.For us, the 12 after 12 is the missing piece. It just makes sense to us on a gut level.
The 12 after 12 is an expression of our experience, strength, and hope. We offer these steps to you and your communities with the hope that they will be helpful. We welcome feedback, questions, and conversations. And we encourage you to make use of the 12 after 12 steps and share them with others.
The 12 After 12 Steps
“The principles we have set down are guides to progress.
We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.”
1.We admit God has empowered us-that our lives are becoming manageable.
2.Come to believe that a power greater than ourselves is restoring us to sanity.
3.Continue to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand God.
4.Make a searching and selfless inventory of our spiritual experiences.
5.Admit to God, to ourselves, and to other human beings the exact nature of who we are.
6.Are entirely ready to have God enhance all these assets of character.
7.Humbly ask God’s grace to transpire.
8.Make a list of all the things we can do to be helpful and become willing to do them.
9.Share what we value whenever possible, except when to do so would damage relationships.
10.Continue to take constructive inventory, and when we can be useful promptly express ourselves.
11.Seek through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand God, meditating on God’s peace while we patiently remain in the moment.
12.Having been spiritually enlightened as a result of these steps, we share this message with others and practice these principles in all our affairs.
