Revisiting Step Two

Not long ago we revisited Step One, only reasonable to now revisit Step Two.
“Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity”

Step two , again as stated in revisiting Step One , we had been suggested to “put pen to paper” now doing so in Step two is again quite advantageous and very helpful, especially to get over the indignation that this step can bring up for the alcoholic and/or addict. Most of us alcoholics and/or addicts, immediately rail at the mention of a higher power. First off it sets off the ego, and then we realize that in actuality they are using higher power to bring up the God stuff, which is a whole other kettle of fish. Then after a bit we notice the end part and really take offence, restore us to sanity. How dare you imply that I’m insane we retort

At this point it was the reassurances from a sponsor, my support system and recovery coach that got me pat my affronts and down to work, “pen to paper” on step two.

And this work was the catalyst that again as in Step One, helped me see through the illusions into reality. It first off had me see “powers that indeed had more “power” than myself starting with things such as, nature, the wind, water, the Government, police ETC.... Gradually leading to the possibilities of a God. Then with the reminder of Step One and more “pen to Paper” showed me, as in the first part again in my own words in black and white, breaking down the denial and fantasy. That the way I had lived and my repeated behaviours were not those of a person thinking rationally and/or sanely.

So once again the aspect of “pen to paper” was having the affect of allowing me to learn from my own words the folly of my past. It also gradually was teaching me a little humility. Bit by bit, lowering the ego and leading to a place where I could learn more, by slowly changing my perceptions, attitude, thinking and behaviour. All the while allowing me to learn for myself, thus empowering me at the same time.

A few excerpts from noted recovery resources;

Therefore, Step Two is the rallying point for all of us. Whether agnostic, atheist, or former believer, we can stand together on this Step. True humility and an open mind can lead us to faith, and every A.A. meeting is an assurance that God will restore us to sanity if we rightly relate ourselves to Him.
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 33


Through believing that a Higher Power can help, a man or a woman formerly eaten up with raging fear, anger, shame, doubt, guilt, and frustration may become calm and begin to grow spiritually by focusing on doing some simple steps, going to meetings, reading the Big Book, and talking to a sponsor. This person is not alone; there are other caring brothers and sisters who really do understand because they are dealing with the same problems the newcomer has. The simple act of believing that a Higher Power can restore us to sanity leads us into a family and into a new life where we can begin to see and experience a little sanity.
- A Hunger for Healing, p. 35


The process of coming to believe is something that we seem to experience in similar ways. One thing most of us lacked was a working relationship with a Higher Power. We begin to develop this relationship by simply admitting to the possibility of a Power greater than ourselves. Most of us have no trouble admitting that addiction had become a destructive force in our lives. Our best efforts resulted in ever greater destruction and despair. At some point we realized we needed the help of some Power greater than our addiction. Our understanding of a Higher Power is up to us. No one is going to decide for us. We can call it the group, the program, or we can call it God. The only suggested guidelines are that this Power be loving, caring and greater than ourselves. We don't have to be religious to accept this idea. The point is that we open our minds to believe. We may have difficulty with this, but by keeping an open mind, sooner or later, we find the help we need.
- Narcotics Anonymous Basic Text, Chapter 4/Step 2


The Step 2 phrase "came to believe" suggests a process and a progression of faith that evolves over time. A portion of A.A.'s oral tradition defines this as a three-part unfolding: First, we came, that is, we showed up and stumbled in the door. Second, we came to, that is, we sobered up, came to our senses, and began to experience emotional sobriety. Third, we came to believe. We began our real recovery process and our spiritual growth.
- Serenity, A Companion for Twelve Step Recovery, p. 29

When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God. This applies, too, to other spiritual expressions which you find in this book. Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you. At the start, this was all we needed to commence spiritual growth, to effect our first conscious relation with God as we understood Him. Afterward, we found ourselves accepting many things which then seemed entirely out of reach. That was growth, but if we wished to grow we had to begin somewhere. So we used our own conception, however limited it was. We needed to ask ourselves but one short question. - "Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?" As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way. It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built.
-A.A. Big Book p.47

Remember God does not create garbage

How to be thankful for your life

Just imagine. Imagine as if you could live every day as a miracle. Imagine if you could wake up and no matter what your day brings, you could go through your day saying, "Thank you Spirit! Thank you God!" Thanks for this opportunity to learn once more how to open my heart. Thank you for the opportunity to dare to love those who I was afraid to love, found it difficult to love, wanted to love but didn't know how. Thank you for the opportunity to love and discover more about being loved in return.


You in the airport or on the freeway.... thank you for the opportunity to practice patience, to offer a smile, to encounter the limitations within myself that keep my heart frozen and blocked from revealing all the love that I am, and taking in all the love I can receive.


You in my family... despite all the pain and hurt we have shared together, thank you for the opportunity to practice forgiveness, to replace my fears with love, to learn discernment, to see you more clearly, to know how to be with you in a safe space, where we can learn to be more conscious and open together.


You in another country... thank you for being different from me, for teaching me to be less self-absorbed in my own view of the world, to discover how varied human kind is, and how to love others fully and clearly in an attempt to understand and learn how to be with different points of view.


You all alone... out there somewhere believing no one cares. Thank you for helping me remember that you are there. Knowing this I can send you my love, and wish for you that you will reach beyond fear finding those who care.


You who are in pain or suffering... thank you for reminding me about compassion. That I am here not only to receive, but to give. Thank you for teaching me the limits of my capacity to love, so that I may open my heart and expand my ability to embrace you even more. For in embracing you and helping you heal, I heal myself. Because we are one, all one, in our joys and our sorrows.


You who I have harmed... thank you for revealing to me my shadow, all those nooks and crannies of ignorance I thought I had gone beyond. Thank you for showing me all the ways I need to grow. And, to those of you who found it in your hearts to forgive me, thank you for that act of grace, as I also attempt to shed that grace upon myself.


You who are in celebration and joy... thank you for reminding me about the essence and true nature of life. Thank you for waking me up and reminding me that life is precious. So let us all wake up and embrace the day to see what it has to offer. Thank you for reminding me life is too short for bad moods, and all things go better when we simply remember to find joy in life and smile at one another.


You who love... you are the reason for living. Thank you for the friendship, kindness, inspiration, and shear delight you bring into my life. Your courageous act of keeping your hearts open help heal this world. For you reveal that love is not scarce, it exists in an abundance.


You... Spirit... Divine... God... Energy... Life! You are all that is, in all your wonderous displays. Sometimes confusing, but always revealing the fundamental truth.... we are one. I am you, you are me. As we learn to consciously embrace the miracle of life, and lovingly dissolve the barriers that prevent us from seeing the essence we all are... then love bursts forth!

So, thank you.... thank you... thank you... this day, every day, every moment.


Remember God does not create garbage

True Freedom From Addictions - Lana Pritzker

As Obama would say YES YOU CAN

What would you like to have?

What would you like to do?

What would you like to be?

Yes, what is it?

Now, whatever you said, what's stopping you?

Why don't you have it? Why don't you do it? Why don't you be it?

Put yourself on the spot, what is it? Be brutally honest with yourself. Do you really want that? Sometimes we think we want something and then when we really get right down to it, it isn't that important to us. You may have already seen that when you've released on goals. What you thought was something you just must have, you find out, after releasing on the goal for awhile, that maybe you really don't want it at all.

So let's get that out of the way, because there is something you definitely would like to have, do or be. What is it and why isn't it yours? Check right now. What's your block? What's standing in your way?

Is it because there's an "I can't" thought? "I can't do it. I can't have it. I can't be it." Then the many assorted excuses follow: I can't because, not enough money, not enough time, no one to help me, it might not work out anyway, too old, too young, not enough education, too much education, don't know how, don't know who, don't know where to start, don't have what it takes, haven't done it yet so probably won't do it now, it's too late… That's only a partial list. We humans can get very creative about our "I cant's." What is it for you?

I can't because ____________________.

You know, that behind any "I can't" is, ‘I won't." And behind the, "I won't" is fear. Check that for yourself right now. It's the fear that blocks you. Fear is just a feeling and you can let it go. In fact, you must let it go or you'll stay stuck there in fear forever and never be able to move into having, doing or being.

What does it take to attain the objects of your dreams? It begins with an attitude of, "I can. I can do it. I can have it. I can be it."

Notice the difference in energy?

Try it. Say, "I can't" four times. Now, say, "I can" four times. Notice, "I can't" is weak energy? Notice it's low energy? Notice it has a pathetic feel to it. Notice there's a despairing, defeated, forlorn feeling behind, "I can't?"

How about when you say, "I can?" Now how does that feel? It feels much better doesn't it? Does the word, "Yes," come to mind when you say, "I can?" Does "I can" feel bold? Does "I can" have power to it? Does "I can" feel like a strong energy? Does it feel like a high energy?

What's more, when you say, "I can," do you notice that it's a done deal? When you say, "I can do it," game over. It's done. Yes, you might have to carry out the steps to finish it. But it's done when you say, "I can." When you say, "I can have it," notice, it's a fait accompli. You have it. Notice the feeling that the universe is behind you organizing all the pieces and parts when you say, "I can do it."

When you say, "I can," you are setting in motion the remarkable power of Courageousness. Can you feel that power? When you say, "I can," you are in Courageousness. And no one or nothing can stop you. Courageousness is power-packed energy that says, "It is done."

Courageousness opens the door to Acceptance. "I can do it. I can have it. I can be it." Notice the Acceptance. Courageously saying, "I can," automatically moves you into acceptance. And right behind Acceptance, Peace. When you move into Acceptance, Peace flows in and envelops you like the warm sunshine. Do you notice that?

When you make the decision, "I can," you're in Courageousness. There's no doubt. There's no questioning. There are no excuses. There is no wanting. When you move into "I can," the Courageousness energy, there is Acceptance that's it's all done, and there's Peace, because the mental racket attached to "I can't" is all gone.

And as Lester Levenson says, "Everything falls perfectly into line."

You get into Courageousness, the "I can do it, I can have it, I can be it" energy by releasing. You mentally dive into those feelings. You find out what's hiding-out in there and you let it go. You bring whatever thoughts or feelings you find in your way to wanting approval, wanting control or wanting to be safe and you let them go. The Third Way to Release: Immediately see all your feelings culminate in wanting approval, wanting control or wanting to be safe. And immediately let go of wanting approval, wanting control or wanting to be safe.

Momentum is the key that unlocks the door to maximizing your releasing. With momentum you live your life in full time, all the time Courageousness.

The Release Technique® offers you so many ways to power up your Momentum. Keep your momentum at a high level, and dwell in the energy of Courageousness. The best way to spike your Momentum is the Seven Day Retreats. Why not go to the next Seven Day Retreat? What's the hold back? What is the, "I can't?" Move into, "I can." Test it. Check it out for yourself. When you decide, "I can. I can do it," you're in Courageousness and the universe revs up your engine and nothing can stop you. Find out for yourself.

Can you do it? It's a decision. Yes you can.

Remember God does not create garbage

Beware of Substituting Behaviors

It is easy for alcoholics and addicts new to recovery to substitute one addiction for another, becoming compulsively involved in other activities. Although those activities, such as work or exercise, may be otherwise healthy and productive, they can hamper recovery if they become a transfer of addictions.
One goal of recovery and learning to live a sober lifestyle is to regain control over your life and your choices. Compulsive behavior, even with productive activities, does not allow you to exercise free choice and is not within your control. Being out of control in any area of your life does not lead to true sobriety in the long run.

Common Compulsive Behaviors
One common compulsive activity for people new to recovery is "workaholism" -- becoming compulsive about your work, career or job search. Working and improving your financial situation are noble goals, but working more than full time or spending most of your time thinking or talking about work can become compulsive behavior.


The same is true with exercise. While exercise and becoming healthier are beneficial to people in recovery, research shows that your long-term sobriety can be hampered if your exercise program becomes compulsive and a substitute for your former addictive behaviors.

Unhealthy Compulsive Behaviors
Of course, it is also common for alcoholics and addicts in recovery to substitute addictions that are not productive or healthy. For example, one of the more popular substitutions is for alcoholics to begin smoking marijuana, which is known as marijuana maintenance.


Addicts who were strung out on heroin or methamphetamine will also substitute marijuana, using the argument that it is not nearly as harmful. There are many other behaviors that can become compulsive -- gambling, sex, video games, shopping -- that are neither healthy nor productive for someone trying to maintain a sober lifestyle.
If you are in follow-up care in your professional rehab program, your counselor will point out the dangers of these choices, because they can easily lead to a relapse and are counter-productive to your long-term recovery.
Finding a Balance

Your continuing care treatment counselor will ask you about your activities in recovery and try to determine if you are becoming compulsive with any of your behaviors. This is a topic discussed by most counselors because substituting addictions is such a common occurrence.
You will be encouraged to make recovery-related activities a top priority of the structure of your daily schedule. Your counselor will remind you of the importance of meeting your personal needs and the benefit of relaxation and leisure activities.
The key to long-term, healthy recovery is to find a balance in your life by working, relaxing, eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep while avoiding overscheduling and overworking.


An Exception to the Rule
There is one area that you may become compulsive about that your counselor will not discourage -- getting involved in your 12-step or support group program. It is also fairly common for people new to recovery to become compulsive about participating in their support groups, sometimes to the point of attending several meetings a day.
Although this recovery behavior can indeed become compulsive to the point that you develop a dependency on your group, those issues will be addressed by your counselor at a later point in your recovery. In the early months of your rehab, your counselor will probably encourage your active participation in Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous and/or other mutual support groups.

Remember God does not create garbage

Looking at Step One

Hi all it has been awhile and I believe it is time we revisited Step one; Admitted we were powerless over ------------------------, and that our lives had become unmanageable.

I remember when I first heard this step I was completely taken aback, and it repulsed me, the audacity to think that I was Powerless, and then to say my life was unmanageable. To me this was utter nonsense. Powerless I think not, the only way I was powerless was if you had me at gunpoint and/or you had me in handcuffs. As for as unmanageable, well I always managed to get what I needed/wanted, one way or another. Whether it is drugs, alcohol, a place to stay, money, whatever. However after listening to other members I soon came to see that I might have a “wee” bit of a problem. That was when I was lucky enough to be introduced to the program and some very knowledgeable people. They introduced me a “program of Recovery” as suggested by the father of all 12 step organizations, “The Big Book” of Alcoholics Anonymous, in which it says to take “pen to paper”. It was during this process that I began to see the truth about self.

It was in writing my first step one, in my own words, not by a case manager, making it proper or a lawyer, hoping to make me look good and filling in justifications, it was me in my own words, the truth. In black and white, no more dodging, no more rat ionizations, no more denial, just the facts. It should me how it was just my ego that was so offended. It showed me how much my life was controlled by drugs, alcohol, wanting to be accepted, sex, and the list went on. It also showed how little control I had over any of it. It also became quite evident that my life was in total disarray, I had either lost or in the process of losing everything, from money, homes, possessions, relationships family, everything. I called that manageable; in what world was I living??

And yet today, how easy is it for ego to attempt to reassert itself. To think I have power. Yet the truth is I have the power of choice today, the ability to choose what and who is in my life, the power to choose how I react to life’s situations. At the same time remembering that I am powerless over people, places and things. And to remember that when I attempt to manage my life, I can quickly ruin everything, that I am better off with a higher power in my life to manage my day to day affairs.

Remember God does not create garbage

"Steps 1 thru 3 of AA" by Father Joseph C. Martin

The Power of Choice

By committing yourself to “The Program” you receive many gifts, Along with the gift of sobriety comes the gift of a new life. It is akin to being reborn; through sobriety you become freed from the chains of using and/or drinking, freed from the compulsion to use and/or drink free from the lifestyle associated with that old lifestyle. By following “The Program” you will find freedom from shame and guilt, Freedom from all those things that held you back. Being clean and sober will give you a whole new perspective, and through the use of the program a whole new bright perspective on the whole world and mostly your future. Through your new perception and learning that you have a choice. Everything now becomes possible because now you have control of how you view life and more importantly you now can choose your path and the world you live in. Life does not stop happening , However you now have the choice in how you view, you are no longer forced to see things as impossible, obstacles and barriers, you can now see things as stepping stones to a higher self and to a greater life and future, You now have that choice. The world is still the same the world and people, places and things have not changed, what has changed is how you choose to view it and how you choose to react and rise above it all.

Remember God does not create garbage