12 of 12: A Dozen Days of Twelve Step Concepts

It's a full dozen now - the final post in a series of twelve on the original Twelve Steps as applied to general wellness.  If you missed the first of twelve, you can find it here, along with links and context to which I refer in the other posts of the series.

Step Twelve

"Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, 

we tried to carry this message to other compulsive overeaters, 

and to practice these principles in all our affairs."

Image source:  https://www.rtor.org

Modified for use in Overeaters Anonymous (OA), and offshoot of the original twelve step program, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), this is the final step to examine.  Each person's life is unique, but most are relatable in some way, especially considering mutual weaknesses.  Sharing one's story of recovery can empower and encourage both the speaker and hearer alike.  There's something about shared struggles that can make folks feel less isolated and more equipped for recovery - more hope.

Advantages to sharing stories abound:  renewal of one's own resolve, perception of meaning and purpose in one's struggles, and generally making the world a kinder place for those beginning the journey of recovery quickly come to mind.  Humans are inspired by those who overcome, especially when the obstacles vanquished look much like our own.  As social creatures, the esprit de corps (translated from French to mean "group spirit") found among those with common goals generates a sense of belonging, of safety, and of determination to accomplish both the aims of the individual and the success of the collective at once.

Since I've never been part of a Twelve Step based organization, I can best relate to this esprit de corps with my military career and life as a retired service member.  Unified purpose and individual effort keep a group strong.  Despite our apparent rivalries, this spirit of comradeship extends across all branches of the military regardless of other factors of diversity.  We all took an oath to serve, no matter how we came to service.  Each of us had to individually overcome many things to endure rigorous training, regardless of length of service or the nature thereof.  Those of us who have left home to fight for freedom on foreign soil have another level of mutual regard - one that can only be earned.  This is one reason I'm a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); my brothers and sisters in arms at my local VFW Post and across the country have, by definition, served overseas.  When it comes to life post deployment, we "get it" like others cannot, and we support one another as a family of choice.  When one of us shares a story, the others share the hurt &/or humor in it with respect and reverence for the experience of the sharer, (even while we banter), and we offer relevant service to military families and civilians alike.

Jotting with Johnna:

• Whatever you've overcome in life, you have a story and there's someone out there who needs to hear it; with whom might you share your story today?
• How might you ready yourself to share your personal testimony of recovery?  Perhaps make a list of bullet points to help guide you through the process concisely and enter it into your smartphone or carry it in your wallet.
• Is there someone who comes to mind right now you think might benefit from the wisdom you've gleaned along the way?  How might you contact them and start the conversation that might just be key to helping that person toward a healthier tomorrow?

Remember:
Although it may not be evident at the time, we can find purpose even in the most dreadful hardships when we find a way to help others.  You are worthy of an audience for your own redemption story, and the recipient of that testimony will appreciate it.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.