Step 1 - We Admitted We Were Powerless Over Alcohol - That Our Lives Had Become Unmanageable
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
Step 1 - We Admitted We Were Powerless Over Alcohol - That Our Lives Had Become Unmanageable.
In recovery, like most things in life - the first step is often the hardest.
For me, Step 1 of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon was a concept that I fought and fought. How could I be powerless? There had to be a better answer for me than to admit I was powerless - that my life had become unmanageable.
Well, the reality for me was that it wasn’t until I was able to move my ego to the side and get real with myself that I was able to start my journey in recovery.
Stubborness, in its most simplistic terms, pure stubborness - and for what? Did I like the way I was living? Was my way of trying to control every situation and fix every problem working? Of course not.
My life truely had become unmanageable whether or not I wanted to admit it to myself.
Simple concepts - admitting I was powerless over alcohol.
When I finally accepted this, my life was able to start again. I was free from all of the burdens I had put on myself to fix my wife, to be responsible for her actions. The only thing I had any control over was my own actions - and that was enough.
Growth for me is usually inspired by a simple slogan or quote.
The following are quotes related to Step 1 found in Courage to Change - One Day At A Time In Al-Anon II.
I hope one connects with you and provides you the inspiration to take a step forward in recovery.
“The fist step prepares us for a new life, which we can only achieve by letting go of what we cannot control, and by undertaking, one day at a time, the monumental task of setting our world in order through a change in our own thinking.” - One Day At A Time In Al-Anon
“If we supply the willingness, God supplies the power.” - The Al-Anon Family Group Classic Edition
“Our spiritual growth is unlimited and our reward endless if we try to bring this program into every phase of our daily lives.” - The Twelve Steps & Traditions
“You have to count on living every single day in a way you feel will make you feel good about your life…” - Jane Seymor
“It stands to reason the a change in us will be a form for good that will help the entire family.” - How Can I Help My Children
“Once we learned to see our situation as it really was, we understood why it was necessary for us to turn to a Power greater than ourselves.” - Al-Anon Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
“As long as you live, keep learning how to live.” - Senica
“When we bring things out into the lights, the lose their power over us.” - In All Our Affairs
“Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” - Soren Kierkegaard
I think I will stop there - the last quote is where I connected.
Do you have a topic you would liked discussed on Loving An Alcoholic?
Would you like to have your experience and words of encouragement posted?
Send me your thoughts: support@lovinganalcoholic.com
As I will leave each post; If you, or someone you know, loves an alcoholic or addict, I would encourage you to find a local Al-Anon 12 step meeting to attend. This is your first step towards healing.
