I feel inadequate writing a version of the Twelve Steps. It was suggested that by writing an interpretation of the Twelve Steps, I could better demonstrate how studying the Tao Te Ching has changed my perception of how recovery works in my life. It may seem like I have taken “God” out of the steps, but I see the Higher Power in every step! I tell newcomers, “Have an open mind, and your Higher Power will show up when you let go and surrender.” Many thanks to Amy S., Craig M., Justin M., Scotty M., and many more for their input!

1. We admit the misery we experience by living life our way. Alcohol controls us, and we do not know what to do about it.

2. What we resist persists. When we stop resisting, we begin to find strength, not our own. We see surrender working in the lives of others, which gives us hope that it will work for us, too.

3. We want the same relief in the rest of our lives that we are beginning to discover for our alcoholism.

4. Through honest reflection, we make a list of our character traits as we perceive them in this moment. This includes not only our positive traits but also our fears, resentments, harms inflicted on others, and how we have been harmed — both real and imagined. We write down everything, regardless of whether we plan to share it with anyone or not.

5. By writing our 4th step list, we admit to our innermost self some truths we may have never faced before, and we share this list with another person.

6. We begin to surrender to character traits that do not produce Love in our lives.

7. We open our hearts to allow the natural changes in our lives that occur when we let Love have its way.

8. We make a list of all persons we have harmed. We list them whether we are willing to make the amend or not. We ask to become willing to follow through.

9. We make direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when doing so would harm them or others.

10. When we notice selfishness, dishonesty, resentment, or fear, we choose Compassionate actions rather than fear-based actions.

11. We seek to improve our conscious contact with What Is, becoming willing to surrender more of our lives every day.

12. Through the daily practice of these steps, we experience an ongoing spiritual awakening. We carry the message of surrender to whoever appears in our path, allowing Love to saturate more of our activities every day.