Twelve Spiritual Principles (Virtues)

Bill W. considered each step to be a spiritual principle in and of itself. However, particularly in the 12 & 12, he outlined the spiritual principles behind each step. Some of them seem like common sense, but understand going into the exercise that reading these principles and actually practicing them in your day-to-day lives are two entirely different things (and that the latter requires vigilance and willingness).

1. HONESTY – Fairness and straight forwardness of conduct: adherence to the facts.
2. HOPE – To expect with desire; something on which hopes are centered.
3. FAITH – Complete confidence; belief and trust.
4. COURAGE – Firmness  of  mind  and  will  in  the  face  of  extreme  difficulty;  mental  or  moral  strength  to withstand fear.
5. INTEGRITY – The quality or state of being complete or undivided; soundness.
6. WILLINGNESS – Prompt to act or respond; accepted and done of choice or without reluctance.
7. HUMILITY – Not proud or haughty; not arrogant or assertive; a clear and concise understanding of what we are, followed by a sincere desire to become what we can be.
8. LOVE – Unselfish concern that freely accepts another in loyalty and seeks his good to hold dear.
9. DISCIPLINE – Training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character; to bring under control; to train or develop by instruction.
10. PATIENCE/PERSEVERANCE – Steadfast despite opposition or adversity; able or willing to bear; to persist in an understanding in spite of counter influences.
11. AWARENESS – Alive and alert; vigilance in observing.
12. SERVICE – A  helpful  act;  contribution  to  the  welfare  of  others;  useful  labor  that  does  not  produce  a tangible commodity.

By Unknown Author