I worked the ACA Twelve Steps in a “fast” group in the first year I joined ACA. The experience was invaluable, opening my eyes to the big picture of intergenerational trauma and my childhood. Each time I worked a step in the yellow workbook, I wrote Tony A’s version of the step at the top of the first page. I was drawn to the love and acceptance in his version. Soon I learned the complicated issues about the copyright for his version of the 12 steps.
I decided to try my hand at writing 12 steps and wrote them more like affirmations, beginning each step with “I.” I soon envisioned a staircase to accompany my words. That created the constraint of making each step more succinct than the last. For each step/level, I chose a color that resonated with that step and created a simple repeating pattern to illustrate it.
My wording of each step is absolutely influenced by both Tony A and ACA’s versions.
- I accept I am powerless over the effects of alcoholism and childhood trauma.
- I believe the loving power of the universe can help me see clearly.
- I choose to love and accept myself and to trust the universe.
- I blamelessly inventory my intergenerational trauma.
- I gently share my childhood abandonment and shame.
- I am ready to heal with the love of the universe.
- I ask for help from others in my healing.
- I open myself to unconditional love.
- I learn to love myself… then others.
- I observe myself with love.
- I connect to the universe.
- I awaken spiritually.
Jill O