No matter how many times we study a step we find something meaningful. Or sometimes we are reminded of how we felt and worked the step for the first time.

We celebrate our mothers one day a year. I would like to dedicate the entire month to them and to focus on the relationships we share or have shared with them. Men, this is for you, too. A son-mother relationship may be different but moms are still moms.

There are many things you can say you might feel guilty about. But do you feel shame? There is a big difference between guilt and shame and we must get rid of both to live in peace and serenity.

I am away this week and since it is August (8th month), I wanted to highlight Step 8. To date, this has been my most-read article. Your ability to make amends with confidence and sincerity depends on how well you prepare. Don't believe that you can go this route alone.

Resentments are dangerous, yet no matter how hard we try we can still find ourselves in the middle of one. The good news is that we can now recognize a resentment and find serenity.

This is one of the articles I publish annually. There are times when we turn our lives over to our Higher Power but we lack the absolute trust He hears us. This is not just a story but an "activity" for anyone who is feeling spiritually alone. If you are sincere, you will be truly amazed! Try it!

I've resurrected this article because I have had to remind myself lately about turning it over. Life's problems and concerns are challenging. Those of us in recovery do not have a corner on this market. The God Box is for everyone and anyone who wants to feel peace within themselves.

Recovery gives us the freedom to make choices in our behaviors. How we choose to live the principles of the 12 Steps will determine the peace, happiness and serenity we want in our lives.

Believing in onself is a wonderful thing. Believing you can give the gift of sobriety to someone is even better. It is all in the spirit of the season and Step Twelve.

Step Four moves us into action. We finally begin to discover who we are and the many "whys" of our behavior. This is one of the few steps that is really all about YOU!