Step 12 reads:

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to compulsive overeaters and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

My name is Donna and I am a compulsive eater.

Well, this is step 12 so we must be graduating... right? We have finished and we can now say we have mastered the steps... right? Well I know that you understand I am kidding, but I see step 12 as more than just a time to reflect, talk to a newcomer and go back to step one. I see step 12 as a prescription for life.

It begins by reminding us that this Program is spiritual. That the step we just completed, (number 11) is about keeping up our spiritual side. I believe that our ability to "carry the message" to others is intrinsically linked to how intensely we connect to our HP, and how intensely we pay heed to His guidance. We do not have to be working a perfect Program in order to pass it on. You do not have to be abstinent. You do not have to have "completed'" a step workbook. You just have to share what the Program has done for you, in an honest, open fashion.

Why do we do this? Not only to help get new members in our group, because Lord knows we dont "work on commission" ... but because the sharing helps us to recall our gratitude. It helps us to hear ourselves say, out loud, what changes our Program has made in our lives. It gives the credit where credit is due: to the Granter of abstinence, our HP.

I urge you to be fearless in sharing your Program. I encourage you to keep coming back. If you did not finish the steps this time, then I encourage you to begin again next week with the new leader for Step One.

I have been in this Program for almost 20 years. I have had some abstinent times and some relapses. But I can honestly say that my life is better every day; to the extent that I let go and let God give me all the gifts of this Program. Step 12 helps me share the wealth of those blessings.

May God be with you all,
Donna, food addict

1. What did I learn about honesty in step one?

2. What did I learn about hope in step two?

3. What did I learn about faith in step three?

4. What did I learn about courage and integrity in steps four and five?

5. What did I learn about willingness in step six?

6. What did I learn about humility in step seven?

7. What did I learn about self-discipline and love for others in steps eight and nine?

8. What did I learn about perserverance in step ten?

9. What did I learn about spiritual awareness in step eleven?

10. What did I learn about service in step twelve?

Blessings to you all, and thank you SO much for letting me serve,
Donna