We are in essence a society within a society. We learn through the 12 step process to be responsible, productive members of society. The process of recovery allows us to practice within the safety of our recovery meetings and through service ,a new skill set that requires  patience, tolerence, compassion, and a host of other spiritual principals. Learning that my way is not the only way and that I can practice the art of listening is a very useful tool. We develope it first in meetings as we “listen” to others share. We also listen when we are in our group business meetings,area or regional service or one on one with someone at the coffee pot. These new skills follow us out to our jobs, with our families,and in interactions with those outside the fellowship. It allows us to be virtually undetectable among those not in recovery but respected for our honesty and integrity in situations that many not in recovery would handle quite differently. We bring to the world our experience , strength and hope in away that compliments society and enhances the world around us. We bring foregiveness to a world that is often unkind and love for all creation around us. Living a 12 step life  makes us aware of lifes small pleasures like a fallen leaf, a grasshopper in the sun, the full moon, a beautiful pond with its ripples or a snow-flake on a pane of glass. The things that we never noticed or took for granted when we were spiritually dead,now plays a major roll in our everyday lives.  Our gratitude speaks when we now care and share the 12 step way!