~ GIFTS ~

For each step there is a principle.
I believe with each step I received a gift.

1. We admitted we were powerless over food ~
that our lives had become unmanageable.

I received a silver mirror that revealed
reality and truth when I looked in it.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than
ourselves could restore us to sanity.

I received a stone to put in my pocket.
It had the word "hope" engraved on its face and
was comforting in my hand when I held it.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over
to the care of God as we understood Him.

I received a pair of wings for my soul.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

I received a candle to search out my hidden shame.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being
the exact nature of our wrongs.

I received a beautiful note that said, "Welcome to the human race.
We are so glad to have you back."

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

I received a dove to put my burdens upon and set it free.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

I received a small box engraved with the words
I will to place my problems in.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and
became willing to make amends to them all.

I received a map that led to the future.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible,
except when to do so would injure them or others.

I received an eraser to correct the mistakes I had made.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and
when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

I received a scale to weigh and balance
my actions and to measure my growth.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve
our conscious contact with God as we understood Him,
praying only for knowledge of His will for us
and the power to carry that out.

I received a communication device
able to span all doubt and prejudice.

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

I received a fountain that bubbles eternal hope and new ideas.
One that sooths my soul with gratitude.