STEP 1: We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable

We admitted we were powerless over our addiction - that our lives had become unmanageable

The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called willpower becomes practically non-existent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.

A.A. Big Book, p. 24

(You can substitute appropriate terms for your own addiction in place of alcoholics and drink if your addiction is different than alcohol)

http://aaa12stepcccsociety.blogspot.ca/2016/12/today-i-bring-willingness-and-open-mind.html

Today, I bring willingness and an open mind to the next stop in my recovery.

https://twitter.com/12Steps4Teens/status/810918557206908928

The readiness is all.

--William Shakespeare

Newcomer

I went to two different Step meetings this week, in different parts of

town, and both of them were on the Fourth Step. I keep hearing that

"there are no coincidences."

Does this mean I'm supposed to start the Fourth Step now?

How do I know if I'm ready?

Sponsor

First of all, I'm glad to hear that you're going to Step meetings,

and I encourage you to keep it up. Your willingness has brought

you a long way already, and it continues to be the key.

In approaching a new Step, I find it useful to ask myself if I've taken

the Steps that precede it in a complete, whole-hearted way.

I review Step One and remember why I'm on this path of recovery

in the first place: addiction brought me to spiritual depths I don't

want to sink to again.

Reviewing Step Two reminds me that I'm not alone, and that I have

faith that I'll be given what I need to become a whole and free person

again.

Step Three reminds me that I've made a decision. I'm willing to do

what's necessary for recovery and to trust the process. I remember

that I only have to do my part; my progress in recovery isn't entirely

up to me. My Higher Power will do the rest. When I reach Step Four,

I trust that in the process of writing about the events of my addictive

life, I'll be taken care of.

Today, I bring willingness and an open mind to the next stop in my

recovery. I relax and trust that I am not alone.