Step 12 suggests that we “practice these principles in all our affairs”. What does this mean to you? How do you do it?
Definition: principle
- a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.
The AA 12 principles from the book 12 Steps and 12 Traditions
- HONESTY – Fairness and straight forwardness of conduct: adherence to the facts.
- HOPE – To expect with desire; something on which hopes are centered.
- FAITH – Complete confidence; belief and trust.
- COURAGE – Firmness of mind and will in the face of extreme difficulty; mental or moral strength to withstand fear.
- INTEGRITY – The quality or state of being complete or undivided; soundness.
- WILLINGNESS – Prompt to act or respond; accepted and done of choice or without reluctance.
- HUMILITY – Not proud or haughty; not arrogant or assertive; a clear and concise understanding of what we are, followed by a sincere desire to become what we can be.
- LOVE – Unselfish concern that freely accepts another in loyalty and seeks his good to hold dear.
- DISCIPLINE – Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character; to bring under control; to train or develop by instruction.
- PATIENCE/PERSEVERANCE – Steadfast despite opposition or adversity; able or willing to bear; to persist in an understanding in spite of counter influences.
- AWARENESS – Alive and alert; vigilance in observing.
- SERVICE – A helpful act; contribution to the welfare of others; useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity.
- What do you consider to be “these principles”?
- Why is it important to practice them “in all your affairs”?
- What does the word “practice” say to you?
- How have your life and your relationships been changed by practicing this step?
- What tools help you to practice these principles?
- How to carry them “out of the rooms and into traffic.”
- How have you used Al-Anon recovery principles in your life, and how were your actions, feelings, and reactions different?
Readings and Links
We read from How Al-Anon Works Step 12 discussion in Chapter 8.
The reading referred to the book In All Our Affairs.
Elizabeth read from One Day at a Time in Al-Anon, November 4 (p. 309).
Upcoming topics
Our topic for next week is honesty. what does a lack of honesty with ourselves and others look like and what does the program teach us about the importance of honesty to our recovery?
Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecovery.show with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.
They say the “principles” of the program ARE the 12 Steps. That’s why you won’t find them anywhere else. Some have dwindled them down to one word to be helpful – I love them – but really the principles ARE the 12 Steps hence the lack of “Alanon Principles” they are the same as the AA Principles 🙂
Hello Spencer and Eric,
I am a grateful member of Al-anon. For me the 12 steps of AA apply to me in Al-anon because my addiction is relationships. I believe replacing alcohol with relationships throughout the steps brings me the same relief as an alcoholic. I may not have a genetic predisposition or an allergy to alcohol like an alcoholic but being raised in an alcoholic home predisposed me to the same disfunction: my relationships got crazier and crazier. It wasn’t broken bottles around me, it was broken people and I was one of them.
Those “coins” you spoke of at the beginning of the show are the same coins I use in Al-anon: powerlessness, hope, strength, fearless, humility, forgiveness, etc.
For me, the AA books are the Al-anon books.
Thank you for sharing your experience, strength and hope on your shows.
CiCi from Seattle