Walking the way we talk
“Words mean nothing until we put them into action.”
Basic Text p.56
The Twelfth Step reminds us “to practice these principles in all our affairs.” In NA, we
see living examples of this suggestion all around us. The more experienced
members, who seem to have an aura of peace surrounding them, demonstrate the
rewards of applying this bit of wisdom in their lives.
To receive the rewards of the Twelfth Step, it is vital that we practice the spiritual
principles of recovery even when no one is looking. If we talk about recovery at
meetings but continue to live as we did in active addiction, our fellow members may
suspect that we are doing nothing more than quoting bumper stickers.
What we pass on to newer members comes more from how we live than what we
say. If we advise someone to “turn it over” without having experienced the miracle
of the Third Step, chances are the message will fail to reach the ears of the
newcomer for whom it’s intended. On the other hand, if we “walk what we talk” and
share our genuine experience in recovery, the message will surely be evident to all.
Just for today: I will practice the principles of recovery, even when I’m the only one
who knows.