Step 2

Having admitted our powerlessness in Step One, Step Two asks us to trust. We acknowledge our need to believe in, and rely on, something greater than ourselves. For many of us, this is the first time we are able to recognize that we are not the center of the universe. There is a plan and a power greater than anything we could possibly imagine on our own. We may now recognize the painful consequences of allowing others to be this power for us. We can experience humility, and relieve ourselves of grandiosity and our obsession to control. We are not the "power greater than ourselves," nor can others be this power for us. We begin to see how these patterns of thinking and behaving created unmanageability in our lives. Believing in a power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity - if we are willing.

As children, our parents and/or others were that power greater than ourselves. If these experiences left us unable to trust, we may now find it difficult to rely on anything or anyone, over ourselves. We maybe have learned that this power greater than ourselves was punishing, mean, unforgiving, ord unavailable. We may also believe that we are unworth of love and guidance. As we seek help, letting go of control can often be a terrifying prospect.

At this point we can remember that the program allows us complete freedom to define this power for ourselves. Some of us find our definition of and relationship with, a Higher Power changes over time. Each of us can begin with whatever belief provides the most comfort, using whatever universe or the power of meetings. For others, it can be God, love, nature, or, for one member - even an old shoe. Some of us place our faith in those who have come before us, believing because they believe. Our definitions matter less than our willingness to work Step Two. Yet our group experience shows us it is important to trust that this power care for us, has our best interests at heart, and can offer us the guidance we seek.

Step Two is a daily part of our program of recovery. The words "came to believe" remind us that this is a process. Our faith and serenity grow and deepen through our willingness to trust this process. We practice using the tools of our program; and we act upon our desire to believe by going to meetings, listening to others, feeling our feelings, finding a sponsor, praying, and meditating. As we practice letting go, we can relax and remember that we are not in charge and we can ask for guidance from this Higher Power. By working Step Two, we come to believe that this power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity.