Episode 17 - A Review of the 12 Steps Reimagined

Emergency Protocol

Emergency Protocol explores the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in a way that is accessible to people who aren't addicted, and with gentler and less patriarchal language that still captures the essence of the work. In this episode, Denise and Jackie recap and review each of the 12 steps and share lessons and reflections they've picked up along the way.

First, the mother-daughter duo recap the emotional pull of the last couple of weeks and a recent New Moon Meditation experience they had. Then, they dig into each of the steps and detail their reflections and takeaways from each one. Jackie shares how her spiritual practice is a form of support in the way she both perceives and interacts with the steps, and Denise expresses her reflections from the point of view of someone who’s been through the 12 Steps and is still active in the Alcoholics Anonymous community.

The 12 Steps Reimagined was built from an al-anon model, to be supportive of people in their pursuit of being better. A willingness to address (family) trauma can lead to amends, forgiveness, and gratitude for the journey along the way. It’s part of a commitment to ourselves, as self-healers having a human experience in the world.

We are proud of each other (and ourselves) for committing to this work and podcast, and we are even more proud to have formed a new Emergency Protocol community with each and every one of you. It means a lot. Thank you so much for listening.

We have exciting things on the horizon! If you’d like to submit anything or stay in touch, please reach out to us at [e-mail].

Topics Covered:

• Step 1: Surrender and admission of oneself
• Step 2: A distinction between anticipating a feeling and being present with it
• Step 3: The big exhale around hope, faith, and trust
• Step 4: Inventory: writing down fact vs. fiction and the possibility of something else
• Step 5: Sharing the inventory: The accountability of releasing shame with someone else
• Step 6: Recognizing what is and isn’t for us and responding accordingly
• Step 7: Being open to a different outcome or a different perspective toward truth
• Step 8: The vulnerability of reaching out to someone to genuinely make an amend
• Step 9: Recognizing that feeling better is not easy, but easier than hopelessness
• Step 10: The daily reflection checklist of, “How did I do today?”
• Step 11: The choice to not be a victim and the awareness of the layers
• Step 12: A sense of belonging to be able to help others and provide support
• What the 12 Steps for Everyone community can look forward to

Resources Mentioned:

• Listen to past episodes of Emergency Protocol
• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• 12 Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous
• Find a Twelve Step group near you

Follow Us:

• Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la
• Follow Denise: @denise.freed
• Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone
• Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone