*In addition to “alcoholics” we can share the message of hope and recovery with those suffering with the emotional and spiritual sickness of codependency and any other type of addiction/compulsion.

There are so many truths and facets to reflect on, regarding each Step, and I feel like this one definitely has a lot that could be unpacked. So today, I’ll just share a bit about how the Twelve Steps brought about a spiritual awakening in my life – as someone who already had a very personal relationship with God.

My experience working the Steps brought a depth and practicality to my relationship with God that was lacking when I was relating to Him through the brokenness of my codependent thinking. Previously, my mind was consumed with what other people were doing and thinking and naturally, my emotions followed. My prayer life even reflected my desire for God to change others, because I was oblivious to how much change was needed within myself. Here are just a few blind-spots I had been living with and some “ah-ha” experiences:

I thought that being a Christian meant being a doormat. However, I was resentful as a result of never standing up for myself and due to my lack of healthy boundaries. I didn’t know how to forgive. I didn’t know how to let go and let God.

Through the process of the Twelve Steps, I learned the value of really owning my resentments, hurts, and fears so that I could authentically and more fully surrender them to God for healing. I learned the incredible freedom that comes from owning my part in all relational messes, to the best of my ability, and making amends. I learned how wonderful it is to live in a way that I don’t have to make amends! Occasionally I go a whole day succeeding at that!

I learned in the rooms of recovery that everyone has the right to process and share from their own perspective – when I want to change someone’s thinking, I recognize that my compulsion to “fix” others is a symptom of my own codependency. I learned that I do not have to be the Holy Spirit or God in anyone’s life. I’ve learned that surely there is enough in my own life and heart that I can join Him in working on…and that He is much more capable than I am to work in the hearts and mind of others. I’ve learned that “no” is a complete sentence and that life in recovery is the most fulfilling and balanced for me when I’m able to follow the prompting of the Spirit to say “yes” and “no” as He leads – to go when He says go; to stay when he says stay; to be willing to serve others and to sometimes allow others to do what they CAN DO for themselves. I’ve learned to value the discernment He gives me; to watch for red flags and proceed with caution; to look for green lights and proceed with faith and faithfulness.

During these past several years, the Twelve Steps have become a treasured part of my spiritual life and I’m so very thankful for them, and for so many wonderful people in the recovery community. As a result of these experiences, one of the ways I make myself available to “carry the message” to others who are hurting is through a book and album I wrote out of my journey through the Twelve Steps. It is entitled Confessions of the Broken…the music is blues/rock/gospel and the book tells the stories behind the songs and ultimately, my story of recovery from the soul-sickness and family disease of codependency. Please see my website below, if you are interested in the book or album.

As for this post on Step Twelve, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share in the comments or if you’d like to be part of an empowering, solution-focused recovery community, you can request to be added to my closed Facebook group, Rock and Recovery with Heidi Le. Here’s how:

1) Find my administrative account profile on Facebook here

2) Send a friend request AND

3) Send an inbox message, “add me.”

When I receive your message, you will be added to the group. You’ll have access to recovery content, great discussion, and a supportive community of like-minded friends. Click the link above to be directed to the Heidi Le Tribe administrative account OR search “Heidi Le Tribe” on Facebook.

May your recovery be rockin’ today!

~Heidi

For more info, including my new book and album

Confessions of the Broken, visit:

HeidiLeMusic.com