Maria – Step 12 – What it was like for me

Alright, chico, let’s talk about the Twelfth step, porque this one, it’s like the heart and soul of the whole program, you know? So, it’s all about giving back, about sharing your story with others who are still struggling, and practicing those principles we’ve learned in all areas of our lives.

For me, it’s like paying it forward, sharing the hope and the healing that I’ve found with others who are still in the darkness. It’s like saying, ‘Hey, I’ve been there, I’ve walked that path, and let me tell you, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.’

So, I’ll volunteer at the meetings, share my story with newcomers, offer them a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear, porque sometimes, all you need is someone who understands, you know? And let me tell you, seeing the hope in their eyes, the spark of possibility, it’s like a gift, like a little piece of magic in the midst of all the chaos.

And then, outside of the meetings, I’ll try to live those principles we talk about, every day, in everything I do. It’s like being a beacon of light in a world that can sometimes feel dark and scary, you know? It’s like being the change you want to see in the world, one day at a time, one person at a time.

So yeah, that’s how I work my Twelfth step, chico, by sharing my story, by giving back, and by trying to be the best version of myself that I can be. It’s like planting seeds of hope wherever I go, porque you never know whose life you might touch, whose heart you might heal.

Gracias por permitirme compartir mi historia. I hope that it has been helpful to someone out there. It’s about finding joy en las pequeñas cosas, dando gracias por cada paso en el camino y sabiendo que cada día es una nueva oportunidad para crecer y ser mejor.

Find me at a meeting!


Maria is a resilient young mother living in Santa Fe, Northern New Mexico, who has faced numerous challenges in her life. Despite dropping out of high school after becoming pregnant, she is determined to create a better future for herself and her two children.

Working as a housekeeper at a local hotel, Maria has struggled with drug addiction but has recently found strength in her journey to sobriety, motivated by a desire to provide a safe and loving environment for her family. With her fiery spirit, fierce love for her children, and unwavering determination, Maria embodies the resilience and strength of the Northern New Mexico community as she navigates the ups and downs of life with courage and grace.