Even if we have determined that "our troubles ... are of our own making," as the AA Big Book puts it, it can be tempting to look at other problems in the world and assume that they are not of our making. Our relationship difficulties with our friends and families may, perhaps, be of our own making; the issues we encounter in our work environment may have much more to do with us than with the people we work with; but in what sense can broader problems such as social injustice, starvation, racial discrimination and so forth be said to be of our own creation? In other words, surely we are supposed to pursue at least some sort of agenda to change the world, even if much of our time and attention must also be devoted to changing who we are.

This is the question that lies at the heart of Step 12. The Step is carefully worded: the suggestions to carry the message of recovery and to practice these principles in all our affairs come after our spiritual awakening -- in other words, they are supposed to be a result of that awakening, not a means of bringing it about.

An Eastern thinker spoke of the difficulties of covering the world with leather. It would certainly make it a smooth place for everyone, but what a great deal of effort would be involved! And yet there is a simple alternative for me. If I cover my own feet with leather, then I can walk where I will. My primary task is not to change the world, but myself. When my basic focus is on my conduct, my calmness, my wisdom, when it is my spiritual awakening that lies at the heart of my life, then I am in a position to do something to help others.