Step 12: The Power of Showing Up

In this heartfelt and grounded episode of Blindsight, host Bill Lundgren wraps up the 12-step series with guest Kevin Petersen, focusing on Step 12 of Alcoholics Anonymous: Having had a spiritual awakening... we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Kevin brings clarity, humor, and wisdom to the spiritual and practical sides of Step 12. They unpack what a “spiritual awakening” really looks like—hint: it’s not lightning bolts—and how helping others starts with showing up and being human. This conversation digs deep into humility, relapse, perfectionism, and why stability is the new sexy. Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or just want to live a more honest and connected life, this episode is a gift. ⏱️ Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome to Blindsight 01:00 – Step 12: Reading and breakdown 02:15 – The circle and triangle: spiritual and technical meaning 03:50 – Carrying the mess vs. the message 04:35 – Having a spiritual awakening: what it really means 06:40 – Humility and helping others (without losing yourself) 09:20 – “Stability is the new sexy” 10:55 – What’s the message we carry? (Hint: It’s hope) 13:00 – Relapse, grace, and compassion in recovery 15:50 – Why shame doesn’t heal anyone 17:45 – Perfectionism in the blind and disabled communities 20:30 – God moments, FaceTime sign language, and awareness 22:50 – Practicing the principles in all our affairs 25:15 – Humanity > Perfection 27:45 – Recovery as a second chance 30:15 – Final thoughts: Community, flexibility, and finding joy 32:30 – Feedback invitation and contact info 📞 Contact Info Phone: (720) 712-8856 Email: [email protected] Website: aftersight.org