Why Bother "Putting Pen To Paper" On All The Steps

The aspect of the 12 steps is so profoundly life changing. I cannot emphasize the power of the 12 step program and as such I cannot over emphasize the value of putting “pen to paper” in doing the steps. And not the aspect of just “putting pen to paper’ for the 4rth and 8th step. This is just such an injustice to self. It is the same aspect of why, in education, at all levels from grade school right through to university, there are exercises and papers to be written and assignments given out, that all require “pen to paper.” There are lectures given, where certain elements of the curriculum is discussed and expanded upon, yet even with these there are assignments, in which the aspects learned and/or gleaned from lectures or lectures must be proved and/or examined and shown the value and usefulness in a written form.
The simple act of actual writing down and putting into one’s own words and thought process, is unparallel in the learning process. The aspect of doing so is profound, as it allows one to transcend the aspects of thinking to knowing. It goes from the conscious “thinking” to a deeper subconscious of “knowing” the material. It is especially effective and transforming when dealing with personal history and experiences. The “aha” moments are much more expanded and turn the simple “aha” moments into life changing epiphanies.
This is why in the rooms you can see such the difference of actual recovery levels. From the individuals who have glossed over the steps and read them and perhaps even spent time studying the literature of the steps and can speak quite eloquently at times, on them, yet struggle with the deeper aspects of recovery and actually struggle with getting any long term clean and sober time. Then there are those that have taken pen to paper on a few of the steps, yet they appear to be able to remain clean and sober, yet there emotional sobriety does not always seem to be consistent. There is also, to be seen that even though they seem to be able to remain clean and sober their personalities and/or traits have not changed or have changed very little. You know the ones, the ones who are set in their ways and refuse to look at other ways, the “that’s the way we’ve always done it” crowd. The one’s that always seem grouchy. Then there are those who stand out, the change is unmistakable, they seem to have a glow about them, they seem to genuinely care, they seem to even be somewhat cheery or upbeat when their life situations are in upheaval. These are the ones who have made a commitment to recovery. They studied the literature, they have written the steps, and even more so they continue the work themselves. They are the ones that it seems miracles happen for on a continuing basis. Now it does not mean that they don’t encounter challenging times and/or troubles in their lives. For there is no happily ever after, it means they know how to deal with it and rise above.
The choice is always ours to make. We either decide that we want a substandard quality of life a standard quality of life or we want a premium standard of life, the only cost is our willingness to work for it through commitment and personal work. Or attempt to slide by.

Remember God does not create garbage