"As addicts we know the pain of addiction, but we also know the joy of recovery!"
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Good Stuff on Step Two
Working Step 2From "Barefoot" Bill L.wlash@avaya.com
Step 2 Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
The chapter "We Agnostics", which begins on page 44, starts with a good review of Step 1:
"In the preceding chapters you have learned something of alcoholism. We hope we have made clear the distinction between the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic. If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer." Let me repeat that last part: "If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which ONLY a spiritual experience will conquer."
Now we know what we have to do in order to recover from alcoholism. We must undergo a life changing, spiritual transformation.
We realize this is not the answer many of you expected to find in Alcoholics Anonymous. But, please keep in mind that alcoholism IS a fatal, progressive illness. Prior to A.A., most alcoholics either died drunk or were locked up in jails or insane asylums.
In the middle of page 44, the authors once again tell us our options:
"To one who feels he is an atheist or agnostic such an experience seems impossible, but to continue as he is means disaster, especially if he is an alcoholic of the hopeless variety. To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face."
So again, they are giving the only two alternatives you have if you are an alcoholic - either a lot of booze or a lot of God.
Not only is a spiritual experience possible, it is a guarantee, provided you keep an open mind and take the Steps as described in the "Big Book".
It continues to tell us in the next paragraph on page 44, that no matter what our present beliefs are, there IS hope for us. The book continues:
"But it isn't so difficult. About half our original fellowship were of exactly that type. At first some of us tried to avoid the issue, hoping against hope we were not true alcoholics. But after a while we had to face the fact that we MUST find a spiritual basis of life - OR ELSE. Perhaps it is going to be that way with you. But cheer up, something like half of us thought we were atheists or agnostics. Our experience shows that you need not be disconcerted (which means troubled)."
We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works.
And let us assure you, WE DO believe. The Twelve Steps have changed our lives and the lives of millions of other alcoholics. This program WILL change your life too, IF you honestly want to recover from this deadly affliction AND are willing to go to any lengths.
Now that we have admitted we are alcoholics and that we can never safely drink alcohol, let's look at what we have to do in order to recover. At the bottom of page 44, we learn:
"If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how hard we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philosophically comforted, in fact, we could wish these things with all our might, but the needed power wasn't there. Our human resources, as marshaled (or directed) by the will, were NOT sufficient; they failed utterly."
So that last line is saying that our human resources (which is the ONLY thing that we have going for us), as directed by our self-will, has not worked in the past, is not enough, and will continue to fail us when it comes to combating our alcoholism.
The book continues:"Lack of power, THAT was our dilemma. We HAD to find a power by which we could live, and it HAD to be a POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?
Well, that's EXACTLY what this book is about. Its MAIN OBJECT is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which WILL solve your problem. (Notice that it does NOT say that this Power is going to help US solve our problem, but that this POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES will solve our problem. The book continues.) That means we have written a book which we believe to be spiritual as well as moral. And it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God."
Please turn to page 570 in the Third Edition Big Book, or to page 568 in the Fourth Edition. This is the Spiritual Experience Appendix in the back of the book. What is it going to take for us to find this Higher Power? The answer is mentioned in Appendix II. In paragraph 3 on page 570 in the Third Edition or 568 in the Fourth Edition, we find:
"Most emphatically we wish to say that any alcoholic capable of honestly facing his problems in the light of our experience CAN recover, provided (or if) he does not close his mind to all spiritual concepts. He can ONLY be defeated by an attitude of intolerance or belligerent denial."
"We find that NO ONE need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the ESSENTIALS of recovery. But these are INDISPENSABLE."
The "Big Book" authors tell us it is our arrogance and our shortsightedness that keeps us in the darkness and block us from the "sunlight of the Spirit," which is the ONLY thing that can help us.
Please turn back to page 46. The Big Book authors ask us to develop OUR OWN concept of God. In other words, they want us to find a God of OUR OWN understanding. In the second paragraph on page 46 it says the following:
"Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider ANOTHER'S conception of God. OUR OWN conception, however inadequate, was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. As soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, PROVIDED (or IF) we took other simple steps. We found that God does NOT make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, ALL inclusive; NEVER exclusive or forbidding to those who EARNESTLY seek. It is open, we believe, to all..."
They inform us that we are going to take some actions which WILL lead us to our Creator, and this Higher Power WILL guide us in the Realm of the Spirit. Our personalities will change from self-centered to God-centered; our lives will change from the material to the Spiritual.
As we said earlier, A.A. is not a religious program. We're free to call this Power anything we wish, as long as WE are not it and it's a Power GREATER than ourselves. The "Big Book" authors use many different names for this Power including Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, Spirit of the Universe, Creator, the Great Reality, and an unsuspected inner resource, among others. Quite a few times they call this Power, "God", but they use the word God merely for convenience rather than for any religious purpose. Please refer to this Power by any name you believe in or feel comfortable with.
Bill Wilson, our New York City co-founder, had a great deal of difficulty accepting this spiritual solution to alcoholism. In "Bill's Story" he describes how he "came to believe".
In late November 1934, Ebby T. visits Bill at his Brooklyn, New York home. It is during this visit that Bill first learns about a God of his own understanding. Let's pick up the story at the top of page 12.
As we mentioned earlier, Ebby is one of Bill's high school friends and a former drinking companion. Ebby has been sober in the Oxford Group for several months. He tells Bill his life has changed as the result of practicing the Oxford Group's Six Spiritual Activities that we discussed earlier. Please keep in mind that Bill always considered Ebby to be a worse drunk than he was, so the fact that Ebby was now not drinking carried a strong message.
Bill becomes quite distressed when Ebby starts talking about God. However, he DOES listen because he realizes Ebby's life has changed and Ebby is sober for the first time in many years. Page 12, paragraph 1:
"Despite the living example of my friend there remained in me vestiges (or traces) of my old prejudice. The word God still aroused a certain antipathy (which means a strong dislike). When the thought was expressed that there might be a God personal to me this feeling was intensified. I didn't like the idea. I could go for such conceptions as Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind or Spirit of Nature but I resisted the thought of a Czar of the Heavens, however loving His sway might be. I have since talked with scores of men who felt that same way."
Then, Ebby presents Bill with a revolutionary concept: "My friend suggested what then seemed a novel (or new) idea. He said, 'Why don't you choose YOUR OWN conception of God?'"
"That statement hit me hard. It melted the icy intellectual mountain in whose shadow I had lived and shivered many years. I stood in the sunlight at last."
"It was only a matter of being WILLING to believe in a Power greater than myself. Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning. I saw that growth could start from that point. Upon a foundation of COMPLETE willingness I might build what I saw in my friend. Would I have it? Of course I would!"
This is how Bill started on his journey to a God of his understanding and lasting sobriety. It all began with Bill's willingness to believe in a God of his own understanding.
Now, let's look at how the "Big Book" authors describe God. In the middle of page 46, they ask us to set aside our contempt for spiritual principles and consider OUR OWN concept of God. If we do, we will begin to realize there just might be some validity to the A.A. spiritual solution for alcoholism. Starting with line three in the first paragraph of page 46, they write:
"...We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commence to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God."
Basically, the "Big Book" authors tell us it is impossible to define God. We have to stop trying to comprehend God with our mind and start accepting God with our heart. The book continues at the top of page 47:
"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 (or prevent) 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."
On the next page, the "Big Book" authors state that most of us eventually become "teachable". Sometimes we have to take our lives right to the brink of disaster and look death squarely in the eye before we are willing to acknowledge the presence of a Higher Power. But there is hope even for the most stubborn of us. Starting with the seventh line down from the top of page 48, it says:
"...Faced with alcoholic destruction, we soon become as open minded on spiritual matters as we had tried to be on other questions. In this respect alcohol was a great persuader. It finally beat us into a state of reasonableness. Sometimes this was a tedious process; we hope no one else will be prejudiced for as long as some of us were."
In the third paragraph on page 52, the authors make a powerful case for the existence of God. Page 52, paragraph 3: "When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did."
So, in order to recover from alcoholism, we have to find a Power greater than ourselves. But where are we going to find this Power? Please turn to page 55, and starting with the second paragraph, the authors provide us with the answer to that question. On page 55, paragraph 2, it says:
"Actually we were fooling ourselves, for deep down in EVERY man, woman, and child, is the fundamental idea of God. It may be obscured (or made unclear) by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of the power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself.
We saw that faith in some kind of God was a part of our make-up, just as much as the feeling we have for a friend. Sometimes we had to search fearlessly, but He WAS there. He was as much a fact as we were. We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis it is only there that He may be found. It was so with us.
We can only clear the ground a bit. If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway. With THIS attitude you CANNOT fail. The consciousness of your belief is SURE to come to you."
These are dramatic, and for some of us, revolutionary concepts. Let us summarize them for you. First, the authors of the "Big Book" tell us they have found a way to free us from the bondage of alcoholism. Next, they describe the solution as a Power greater than ourselves. Finally, they tell us where to find this Power - right inside each and every one of us.
Now we know WHERE to find this Power. Most of the rest of the "Big Book" is devoted to the question of HOW to find this Power.
Once again we need to make a decision. We have to decide whether or not we believe in a Higher Power - a Spirit of the Universe - a God of OUR understanding.
Just like Step One, the Big Book on page 47 provides a question associated with taking Step Two. In the middle of 47, the Big Book authors write:
"We need 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 (or strongly) 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."
Now, it's time to choose. Are we willing to admit that there is a Higher Power? If we are, we're ready to take Step Two.
If you are hesitant to commit right now, that's fine. It just means you're not ready to proceed with the rest of the program. Please take time during the next week to discuss the concept of a "God of YOUR understanding" with your "sponsor" or spiritual advisor. If after that you are then ready to proceed, have that person take you through the Second Step and ask you to answer the Second Step question found in the middle of page 47, where we find the directions.
Let's see who is ready to proceed.This is the Second Step question for those doing it for the first time: "Do you NOW believe, or are you even WILLING to believe, that there IS a Power greater than yourself?"Please answer yes or no.
For those of you who have done a Second Step in the past, there is a deeper Step Two question to answer: Do you now believe, or are you even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than yourself that can take you beyond where you are now in EVERY area of your life. Past here, past the experience you've already had. Do you believe that there are realms of peace, love, freedom, happiness, understanding, areas of consciousness, wisdom, & power that you can't even imagine?Please answer yes or no.
Those of you who have answered "yes" to the Step 2 question have completed the Second Step.
This attachment has a cool article that I use with Step 2 -- Water
If we need to come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity, what does sanity look like in many areas of our life? This exercise helps us with that: Step 2 Sanity Exercise
This attachment asks an important question about the chapter where almost all of Step 2 is found: We Agnostics People Groups
WATER
Water is everywhere & in all living things - we cannot be separated from water. No water, no life. Period. Water comes in many forms - liquid, vapor, ice, snow, fog, rain, hail. But no matter the form, it's still water.
Human beings give this stuff many names in many languages, in all its forms. It's crazy to argue over what its true name is. Call it what you will, there is no difference to the water. It is what it is.
Human beings drink water from many containers - cups, glasses, jugs, skins, their own hands, whatever. To argue about which container is proper for the water is crazy. The container doesn't change the water.
Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it iced, some fizzy, some with stuff mixed in with it - like alcohol, coffee, whatever. No matter. It does not change the nature of the water.
Never mind the name or the cup or the mix. These are not important. What we have in common is thirst. Thirst for the water of Life! As it is with water, so it is with God.
Robert Fulghum
Step Two Sanity Exercise
We move toward and become like that which we think about. In order to get to where we want to go, we need to find out where we are (Step One), we also need to figure out where we're going (Step Two), and then we need to come up with how to get there (Steps Three through Twelve). In other words, we locate where we are in the following left columns, then we create our personal vision for a recovery and sanity ideal of what we want to move toward in the following right columns. We ask ourselves, "What would my life look like if I didn't have this unmanageability?" The idea behind this is that if we believe that God can restore us to sanity, what would sanity look like in these fifteen areas? We create a sanity ideal for the future in the right column by setting a goal for each of areas of unmanageability in the left column. - Barefoot Bill
STEP ONE -UNMANAGEABILITYWhat does my life look like now?
STEP TWO -A SOBER VISION OF SANITYHow would I like it to be,or what does sanity look like in these areas?
1. I am restless, irritable (which means "easily annoyed") and discontented. (which means "never satisfied")
2. I'm having trouble in personal relationships
3. I can't control my emotional nature.
4. I'm a prey to misery and depression.
5. I can't make a living (which includes a career, finances, AND making a successful life).
6. I have a feeling of uselessness.
7. I am full of fear.
8. I am unhappy.
9. I can't seem to be of real help to other people.
10. I am like the actor trying to run the whole show. I arrange the scenery & all the players because I know what's best for everyone.
11. I'm driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity; so I step on the toes of my fellows & they retaliate.
12. I'm an extreme example of self-will run riot, though I usually don't think so.
13. I lead a double life by presenting a stage character so I can enjoy a certain reputation, but I know in my heart I don't deserve it.
14. I'm like a tornado roaring my way thru other's lives. Hearts are broken. Sweet relationships are dead. Affections are uprooted.
15. My selfish and inconsiderate habits have kept my home in turmoil.
After filling this out completely, ask yourself an important Step Two question: Are you able to bring these right column sanity ideals into your life without God's help? YES___NO___.(By the way, you start moving toward these right column ideals AFTER you work ALL 12 Steps!)
In the chapter "We Agnostics" in the Big Book, there are two groups of people mentioned. Which one more closely describes your CURRENT experience?
1 - (page 50-51) -- Group 1 -- "Here are thousands of men and women, worldly indeed. They flatly declare that since they have (1.) come to believe in a Power greater than themselves (Step 2), (2.) to take a certain attitude toward that Power (Step 3), and (3.) to do certain simple things (Steps 4 through 12), there has been a revolutionary change in their way of living and thinking. In the face of collapse and despair, in the face of the total failure of their human resources (Step 1), they found that a new power, peace, happiness, and sense of direction flowed into them. This happened soon after they (4.) wholeheartedly met a few simple requirements (the Twelve Steps). Once confused and baffled by the seeming futility of existence, they show the underlying reasons why they were making heavy going of life. Leaving aside the drink question, they tell why living was so unsatisfactory. They show how the change came over them. When many hundreds of people (5.) are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith." (This is also called living in the solution.)
2 - (page 52) -- Group 2 -- "We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn't control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn't make a living (which includes not being able to make a successful life), we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn't seem to be of real help to other people." (These are also called the bedevilments, which means, "to torment maliciously". They are the results of living a self-centered life, drinking or not, and describes the inner unmanageability mentioned in Step One. They are the mental state that precedes the first drink and are the result of untreated alcoholism, whether we are drinking or not. They are the root of the problem. )
Continue to Working Step 3
Return to Working The Steps Index
Index of AA History Pages on Barefoot's Domain
As in so many things, especially with we alcoholics, our History is our Greatest Asset!.. We each arrived at the doors of AA with an intensive and lengthy "History of Things That Do Not Work" .. Today, In AA and In Recovery, Our History has added an intensive and lengthy "History of Things That DO Work!!" and We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it!!
ABC Page 60 from the Big Book
KEEP COMING BACK! ONE DAY AT A TIME!
Barefoot's WorldOn the Web Feb 24, 2003 in the Spirit of Cooperation
Three mighty important things, Pardn'r, LOVE And PEACE and SOBRIETY
Step 2 Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
The chapter "We Agnostics", which begins on page 44, starts with a good review of Step 1:
"In the preceding chapters you have learned something of alcoholism. We hope we have made clear the distinction between the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic. If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer." Let me repeat that last part: "If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which ONLY a spiritual experience will conquer."
Now we know what we have to do in order to recover from alcoholism. We must undergo a life changing, spiritual transformation.
We realize this is not the answer many of you expected to find in Alcoholics Anonymous. But, please keep in mind that alcoholism IS a fatal, progressive illness. Prior to A.A., most alcoholics either died drunk or were locked up in jails or insane asylums.
In the middle of page 44, the authors once again tell us our options:
"To one who feels he is an atheist or agnostic such an experience seems impossible, but to continue as he is means disaster, especially if he is an alcoholic of the hopeless variety. To be doomed to an alcoholic death or to live on a spiritual basis are not always easy alternatives to face."
So again, they are giving the only two alternatives you have if you are an alcoholic - either a lot of booze or a lot of God.
Not only is a spiritual experience possible, it is a guarantee, provided you keep an open mind and take the Steps as described in the "Big Book".
It continues to tell us in the next paragraph on page 44, that no matter what our present beliefs are, there IS hope for us. The book continues:
"But it isn't so difficult. About half our original fellowship were of exactly that type. At first some of us tried to avoid the issue, hoping against hope we were not true alcoholics. But after a while we had to face the fact that we MUST find a spiritual basis of life - OR ELSE. Perhaps it is going to be that way with you. But cheer up, something like half of us thought we were atheists or agnostics. Our experience shows that you need not be disconcerted (which means troubled)."
We find it amazing that the newcomer can start the A.A. program without any specific beliefs or, for that matter, without any beliefs whatsoever. All a person needs is the open-mindedness and the willingness to believe that WE BELIEVE this program works.
And let us assure you, WE DO believe. The Twelve Steps have changed our lives and the lives of millions of other alcoholics. This program WILL change your life too, IF you honestly want to recover from this deadly affliction AND are willing to go to any lengths.
Now that we have admitted we are alcoholics and that we can never safely drink alcohol, let's look at what we have to do in order to recover. At the bottom of page 44, we learn:
"If a mere code of morals or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how hard we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philosophically comforted, in fact, we could wish these things with all our might, but the needed power wasn't there. Our human resources, as marshaled (or directed) by the will, were NOT sufficient; they failed utterly."
So that last line is saying that our human resources (which is the ONLY thing that we have going for us), as directed by our self-will, has not worked in the past, is not enough, and will continue to fail us when it comes to combating our alcoholism.
The book continues:"Lack of power, THAT was our dilemma. We HAD to find a power by which we could live, and it HAD to be a POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?
Well, that's EXACTLY what this book is about. Its MAIN OBJECT is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself which WILL solve your problem. (Notice that it does NOT say that this Power is going to help US solve our problem, but that this POWER GREATER THAN OURSELVES will solve our problem. The book continues.) That means we have written a book which we believe to be spiritual as well as moral. And it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God."
Please turn to page 570 in the Third Edition Big Book, or to page 568 in the Fourth Edition. This is the Spiritual Experience Appendix in the back of the book. What is it going to take for us to find this Higher Power? The answer is mentioned in Appendix II. In paragraph 3 on page 570 in the Third Edition or 568 in the Fourth Edition, we find:
"Most emphatically we wish to say that any alcoholic capable of honestly facing his problems in the light of our experience CAN recover, provided (or if) he does not close his mind to all spiritual concepts. He can ONLY be defeated by an attitude of intolerance or belligerent denial."
"We find that NO ONE need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open-mindedness are the ESSENTIALS of recovery. But these are INDISPENSABLE."
The "Big Book" authors tell us it is our arrogance and our shortsightedness that keeps us in the darkness and block us from the "sunlight of the Spirit," which is the ONLY thing that can help us.
Please turn back to page 46. The Big Book authors ask us to develop OUR OWN concept of God. In other words, they want us to find a God of OUR OWN understanding. In the second paragraph on page 46 it says the following:
"Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider ANOTHER'S conception of God. OUR OWN conception, however inadequate, was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. As soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence, a Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, PROVIDED (or IF) we took other simple steps. We found that God does NOT make too hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, ALL inclusive; NEVER exclusive or forbidding to those who EARNESTLY seek. It is open, we believe, to all..."
They inform us that we are going to take some actions which WILL lead us to our Creator, and this Higher Power WILL guide us in the Realm of the Spirit. Our personalities will change from self-centered to God-centered; our lives will change from the material to the Spiritual.
As we said earlier, A.A. is not a religious program. We're free to call this Power anything we wish, as long as WE are not it and it's a Power GREATER than ourselves. The "Big Book" authors use many different names for this Power including Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind, Spirit of the Universe, Creator, the Great Reality, and an unsuspected inner resource, among others. Quite a few times they call this Power, "God", but they use the word God merely for convenience rather than for any religious purpose. Please refer to this Power by any name you believe in or feel comfortable with.
Bill Wilson, our New York City co-founder, had a great deal of difficulty accepting this spiritual solution to alcoholism. In "Bill's Story" he describes how he "came to believe".
In late November 1934, Ebby T. visits Bill at his Brooklyn, New York home. It is during this visit that Bill first learns about a God of his own understanding. Let's pick up the story at the top of page 12.
As we mentioned earlier, Ebby is one of Bill's high school friends and a former drinking companion. Ebby has been sober in the Oxford Group for several months. He tells Bill his life has changed as the result of practicing the Oxford Group's Six Spiritual Activities that we discussed earlier. Please keep in mind that Bill always considered Ebby to be a worse drunk than he was, so the fact that Ebby was now not drinking carried a strong message.
Bill becomes quite distressed when Ebby starts talking about God. However, he DOES listen because he realizes Ebby's life has changed and Ebby is sober for the first time in many years. Page 12, paragraph 1:
"Despite the living example of my friend there remained in me vestiges (or traces) of my old prejudice. The word God still aroused a certain antipathy (which means a strong dislike). When the thought was expressed that there might be a God personal to me this feeling was intensified. I didn't like the idea. I could go for such conceptions as Creative Intelligence, Universal Mind or Spirit of Nature but I resisted the thought of a Czar of the Heavens, however loving His sway might be. I have since talked with scores of men who felt that same way."
Then, Ebby presents Bill with a revolutionary concept: "My friend suggested what then seemed a novel (or new) idea. He said, 'Why don't you choose YOUR OWN conception of God?'"
"That statement hit me hard. It melted the icy intellectual mountain in whose shadow I had lived and shivered many years. I stood in the sunlight at last."
"It was only a matter of being WILLING to believe in a Power greater than myself. Nothing more was required of me to make my beginning. I saw that growth could start from that point. Upon a foundation of COMPLETE willingness I might build what I saw in my friend. Would I have it? Of course I would!"
This is how Bill started on his journey to a God of his understanding and lasting sobriety. It all began with Bill's willingness to believe in a God of his own understanding.
Now, let's look at how the "Big Book" authors describe God. In the middle of page 46, they ask us to set aside our contempt for spiritual principles and consider OUR OWN concept of God. If we do, we will begin to realize there just might be some validity to the A.A. spiritual solution for alcoholism. Starting with line three in the first paragraph of page 46, they write:
"...We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commence to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God."
Basically, the "Big Book" authors tell us it is impossible to define God. We have to stop trying to comprehend God with our mind and start accepting God with our heart. The book continues at the top of page 47:
"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 (or prevent) 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."
On the next page, the "Big Book" authors state that most of us eventually become "teachable". Sometimes we have to take our lives right to the brink of disaster and look death squarely in the eye before we are willing to acknowledge the presence of a Higher Power. But there is hope even for the most stubborn of us. Starting with the seventh line down from the top of page 48, it says:
"...Faced with alcoholic destruction, we soon become as open minded on spiritual matters as we had tried to be on other questions. In this respect alcohol was a great persuader. It finally beat us into a state of reasonableness. Sometimes this was a tedious process; we hope no one else will be prejudiced for as long as some of us were."
In the third paragraph on page 52, the authors make a powerful case for the existence of God. Page 52, paragraph 3: "When we saw others solve their problems by a simple reliance upon the Spirit of the Universe, we had to stop doubting the power of God. Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did."
So, in order to recover from alcoholism, we have to find a Power greater than ourselves. But where are we going to find this Power? Please turn to page 55, and starting with the second paragraph, the authors provide us with the answer to that question. On page 55, paragraph 2, it says:
"Actually we were fooling ourselves, for deep down in EVERY man, woman, and child, is the fundamental idea of God. It may be obscured (or made unclear) by calamity, by pomp, by worship of other things, but in some form or other it is there. For faith in a Power greater than ourselves, and miraculous demonstrations of the power in human lives, are facts as old as man himself.
We saw that faith in some kind of God was a part of our make-up, just as much as the feeling we have for a friend. Sometimes we had to search fearlessly, but He WAS there. He was as much a fact as we were. We found the Great Reality deep down within us. In the last analysis it is only there that He may be found. It was so with us.
We can only clear the ground a bit. If our testimony helps sweep away prejudice, enables you to think honestly, encourages you to search diligently within yourself, then, if you wish, you can join us on the Broad Highway. With THIS attitude you CANNOT fail. The consciousness of your belief is SURE to come to you."
These are dramatic, and for some of us, revolutionary concepts. Let us summarize them for you. First, the authors of the "Big Book" tell us they have found a way to free us from the bondage of alcoholism. Next, they describe the solution as a Power greater than ourselves. Finally, they tell us where to find this Power - right inside each and every one of us.
Now we know WHERE to find this Power. Most of the rest of the "Big Book" is devoted to the question of HOW to find this Power.
Once again we need to make a decision. We have to decide whether or not we believe in a Higher Power - a Spirit of the Universe - a God of OUR understanding.
Just like Step One, the Big Book on page 47 provides a question associated with taking Step Two. In the middle of 47, the Big Book authors write:
"We need 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 (or strongly) 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."
Now, it's time to choose. Are we willing to admit that there is a Higher Power? If we are, we're ready to take Step Two.
If you are hesitant to commit right now, that's fine. It just means you're not ready to proceed with the rest of the program. Please take time during the next week to discuss the concept of a "God of YOUR understanding" with your "sponsor" or spiritual advisor. If after that you are then ready to proceed, have that person take you through the Second Step and ask you to answer the Second Step question found in the middle of page 47, where we find the directions.
Let's see who is ready to proceed.This is the Second Step question for those doing it for the first time: "Do you NOW believe, or are you even WILLING to believe, that there IS a Power greater than yourself?"Please answer yes or no.
For those of you who have done a Second Step in the past, there is a deeper Step Two question to answer: Do you now believe, or are you even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than yourself that can take you beyond where you are now in EVERY area of your life. Past here, past the experience you've already had. Do you believe that there are realms of peace, love, freedom, happiness, understanding, areas of consciousness, wisdom, & power that you can't even imagine?Please answer yes or no.
Those of you who have answered "yes" to the Step 2 question have completed the Second Step.
This attachment has a cool article that I use with Step 2 -- Water
If we need to come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves can restore us to sanity, what does sanity look like in many areas of our life? This exercise helps us with that: Step 2 Sanity Exercise
This attachment asks an important question about the chapter where almost all of Step 2 is found: We Agnostics People Groups
WATER
Water is everywhere & in all living things - we cannot be separated from water. No water, no life. Period. Water comes in many forms - liquid, vapor, ice, snow, fog, rain, hail. But no matter the form, it's still water.
Human beings give this stuff many names in many languages, in all its forms. It's crazy to argue over what its true name is. Call it what you will, there is no difference to the water. It is what it is.
Human beings drink water from many containers - cups, glasses, jugs, skins, their own hands, whatever. To argue about which container is proper for the water is crazy. The container doesn't change the water.
Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it iced, some fizzy, some with stuff mixed in with it - like alcohol, coffee, whatever. No matter. It does not change the nature of the water.
Never mind the name or the cup or the mix. These are not important. What we have in common is thirst. Thirst for the water of Life! As it is with water, so it is with God.
Robert Fulghum
Step Two Sanity Exercise
We move toward and become like that which we think about. In order to get to where we want to go, we need to find out where we are (Step One), we also need to figure out where we're going (Step Two), and then we need to come up with how to get there (Steps Three through Twelve). In other words, we locate where we are in the following left columns, then we create our personal vision for a recovery and sanity ideal of what we want to move toward in the following right columns. We ask ourselves, "What would my life look like if I didn't have this unmanageability?" The idea behind this is that if we believe that God can restore us to sanity, what would sanity look like in these fifteen areas? We create a sanity ideal for the future in the right column by setting a goal for each of areas of unmanageability in the left column. - Barefoot Bill
STEP ONE -UNMANAGEABILITYWhat does my life look like now?
STEP TWO -A SOBER VISION OF SANITYHow would I like it to be,or what does sanity look like in these areas?
1. I am restless, irritable (which means "easily annoyed") and discontented. (which means "never satisfied")
2. I'm having trouble in personal relationships
3. I can't control my emotional nature.
4. I'm a prey to misery and depression.
5. I can't make a living (which includes a career, finances, AND making a successful life).
6. I have a feeling of uselessness.
7. I am full of fear.
8. I am unhappy.
9. I can't seem to be of real help to other people.
10. I am like the actor trying to run the whole show. I arrange the scenery & all the players because I know what's best for everyone.
11. I'm driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity; so I step on the toes of my fellows & they retaliate.
12. I'm an extreme example of self-will run riot, though I usually don't think so.
13. I lead a double life by presenting a stage character so I can enjoy a certain reputation, but I know in my heart I don't deserve it.
14. I'm like a tornado roaring my way thru other's lives. Hearts are broken. Sweet relationships are dead. Affections are uprooted.
15. My selfish and inconsiderate habits have kept my home in turmoil.
After filling this out completely, ask yourself an important Step Two question: Are you able to bring these right column sanity ideals into your life without God's help? YES___NO___.(By the way, you start moving toward these right column ideals AFTER you work ALL 12 Steps!)
In the chapter "We Agnostics" in the Big Book, there are two groups of people mentioned. Which one more closely describes your CURRENT experience?
1 - (page 50-51) -- Group 1 -- "Here are thousands of men and women, worldly indeed. They flatly declare that since they have (1.) come to believe in a Power greater than themselves (Step 2), (2.) to take a certain attitude toward that Power (Step 3), and (3.) to do certain simple things (Steps 4 through 12), there has been a revolutionary change in their way of living and thinking. In the face of collapse and despair, in the face of the total failure of their human resources (Step 1), they found that a new power, peace, happiness, and sense of direction flowed into them. This happened soon after they (4.) wholeheartedly met a few simple requirements (the Twelve Steps). Once confused and baffled by the seeming futility of existence, they show the underlying reasons why they were making heavy going of life. Leaving aside the drink question, they tell why living was so unsatisfactory. They show how the change came over them. When many hundreds of people (5.) are able to say that the consciousness of the Presence of God is today the most important fact of their lives, they present a powerful reason why one should have faith." (This is also called living in the solution.)
2 - (page 52) -- Group 2 -- "We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn't control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression, we couldn't make a living (which includes not being able to make a successful life), we had a feeling of uselessness, we were full of fear, we were unhappy, we couldn't seem to be of real help to other people." (These are also called the bedevilments, which means, "to torment maliciously". They are the results of living a self-centered life, drinking or not, and describes the inner unmanageability mentioned in Step One. They are the mental state that precedes the first drink and are the result of untreated alcoholism, whether we are drinking or not. They are the root of the problem. )
Continue to Working Step 3
Return to Working The Steps Index
Index of AA History Pages on Barefoot's Domain
As in so many things, especially with we alcoholics, our History is our Greatest Asset!.. We each arrived at the doors of AA with an intensive and lengthy "History of Things That Do Not Work" .. Today, In AA and In Recovery, Our History has added an intensive and lengthy "History of Things That DO Work!!" and We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it!!
ABC Page 60 from the Big Book
KEEP COMING BACK! ONE DAY AT A TIME!
Barefoot's WorldOn the Web Feb 24, 2003 in the Spirit of Cooperation
Three mighty important things, Pardn'r, LOVE And PEACE and SOBRIETY
Monday, October 4, 2010
Know About the Different Stages of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a pattern of harmful usage of any substance to get mood-alterations. It includes both illegal substances like Marijuana, Cocaine, Opioids etc., and abuse of legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco. Substance abuse also includes misuse of prescription medications which have sedative, analgesic or stimulant properties. Depending on the substance of abuse, it will lead to health problems, social problems, financial problems, injuries, violence, accidents, suicides, physical dependence or mental addiction. Despite of numerous negative effects, many people are getting addicted to substance use.
According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2008 report, 20.1 million Americans aged 12 or more were illicit drug abusers representing 8 percent of the population. The report also stated that 51.6 percent of Americans were current alcohol drinkers which represents more than half of Americans aged 12 or more and around 70.9 million Americans aged 12 or more were current tobacco users. These statistics clearly state that many people are suffering from substance abuse, which is considered as a disease these days. This disease has different stages which are described below.
Stages There are 5 different stages of substance abuse. They are experimentation, regular use, risky use, dependence, and addiction.
Experimentation Many of the abusers start taking a substance without knowing the future effects of it. Experimentation generally starts at a very early age when they are young. People start experimenting with a substance because of peer pressure, stress or by watching others doing it. It might also start because of marital conflicts or work pressure. The users feel resolution of their problem and start using it regularly. Few of them probably may stop using on their own but few of them get into the next stage.
Regular use After experimentation, they get into regular use. They start feeling that substance or drug use is the answer to their problems. In this stage, they start deciding on when to take the substance or drug, like before bed or on weekends. Their want for the substance increases before the decided or planned time. They start being dishonest with their friends and family members depending on amount of usage. Then slowly, they tend to increase the use of the substance. Some people in this stage can also stop using the substance based on his/her personal effort. Or else, the person will get into risky use.
Risky use The transformation from regular to risky will be totally dependent on the individual, and it differs from one individual to another. In this stage the person will have negative consequences like not caring relationships with friends, family and spouse. These negative consequences start hindering the daily activities. The heavy users start feeling that they cannot sustain on seeing the drug and start craving for it. They get involved in crimes such as stealing or cheating for getting money to purchase the substance. If this actions are left unchecked, the person will slip into next stage. People easily and unknowingly pass from risky use to dependence stage.
Dependence There is just a thin gap between risky use and dependence. People will be preoccupied with use and development of tolerance. In this stage, people will have a strong urge to use the drug in order to stop the illnesses like nausea, headache, body pains etc. In this stage, they fail to fulfill family, school, college or work responsibilities. There will be increase in dangerous and risk-taking drug-related behaviors. They start committing serious crimes to get the abusing substance. This, finally, leads to addiction.
Addiction This is the last stage of substance abuse. This involves serious psychological and physical changes because of heavy intake of the substance abuse. The symptoms of addiction include irresistible craving or seeking substance of abuse. The person will be emotionally and physically dependent on drug. The severity of drug abuse depends on the personality of the addict. In this stage, there is a great possibility of substance overdose which would result in death or serious damage. If a person is not treated at this stage, it will get much worse. Once a person is brought out of addiction through treatment there are many chances of relapse.
Substance abuse is a complex problem which may result because of combination of hereditary, psychological and environmental factors. It is important for everyone to avoid substance use. Even one use can lead to addiction. If treated in early stages, there are better chances of recovery with less effort and spending. There will also be less chances of relapse when treated in early stages.
Drug Test Strips is an online store offering reliable, easy to use and FDA approved Drug testing kit at affordable prices. Our Marijuana drug test strip is a rapid urine screening test that can be performed without the use of an instrument. Our Nicotine test kit is a device used for the detection of cotinine in human urine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Rodnay
According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2008 report, 20.1 million Americans aged 12 or more were illicit drug abusers representing 8 percent of the population. The report also stated that 51.6 percent of Americans were current alcohol drinkers which represents more than half of Americans aged 12 or more and around 70.9 million Americans aged 12 or more were current tobacco users. These statistics clearly state that many people are suffering from substance abuse, which is considered as a disease these days. This disease has different stages which are described below.
Stages There are 5 different stages of substance abuse. They are experimentation, regular use, risky use, dependence, and addiction.
Experimentation Many of the abusers start taking a substance without knowing the future effects of it. Experimentation generally starts at a very early age when they are young. People start experimenting with a substance because of peer pressure, stress or by watching others doing it. It might also start because of marital conflicts or work pressure. The users feel resolution of their problem and start using it regularly. Few of them probably may stop using on their own but few of them get into the next stage.
Regular use After experimentation, they get into regular use. They start feeling that substance or drug use is the answer to their problems. In this stage, they start deciding on when to take the substance or drug, like before bed or on weekends. Their want for the substance increases before the decided or planned time. They start being dishonest with their friends and family members depending on amount of usage. Then slowly, they tend to increase the use of the substance. Some people in this stage can also stop using the substance based on his/her personal effort. Or else, the person will get into risky use.
Risky use The transformation from regular to risky will be totally dependent on the individual, and it differs from one individual to another. In this stage the person will have negative consequences like not caring relationships with friends, family and spouse. These negative consequences start hindering the daily activities. The heavy users start feeling that they cannot sustain on seeing the drug and start craving for it. They get involved in crimes such as stealing or cheating for getting money to purchase the substance. If this actions are left unchecked, the person will slip into next stage. People easily and unknowingly pass from risky use to dependence stage.
Dependence There is just a thin gap between risky use and dependence. People will be preoccupied with use and development of tolerance. In this stage, people will have a strong urge to use the drug in order to stop the illnesses like nausea, headache, body pains etc. In this stage, they fail to fulfill family, school, college or work responsibilities. There will be increase in dangerous and risk-taking drug-related behaviors. They start committing serious crimes to get the abusing substance. This, finally, leads to addiction.
Addiction This is the last stage of substance abuse. This involves serious psychological and physical changes because of heavy intake of the substance abuse. The symptoms of addiction include irresistible craving or seeking substance of abuse. The person will be emotionally and physically dependent on drug. The severity of drug abuse depends on the personality of the addict. In this stage, there is a great possibility of substance overdose which would result in death or serious damage. If a person is not treated at this stage, it will get much worse. Once a person is brought out of addiction through treatment there are many chances of relapse.
Substance abuse is a complex problem which may result because of combination of hereditary, psychological and environmental factors. It is important for everyone to avoid substance use. Even one use can lead to addiction. If treated in early stages, there are better chances of recovery with less effort and spending. There will also be less chances of relapse when treated in early stages.
Drug Test Strips is an online store offering reliable, easy to use and FDA approved Drug testing kit at affordable prices. Our Marijuana drug test strip is a rapid urine screening test that can be performed without the use of an instrument. Our Nicotine test kit is a device used for the detection of cotinine in human urine.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Rodnay
More Info on King Baby
King Baby
One thing I rehab in rehab was about the "King Baby" In this pamphlet, we learn to identify the infantile King Baby ego within us. Our Childish personality traits must be surrendered before our disease can be fully arrested. the compulsive King Baby personality can accelerate addiction or lead to relapse....King babies share a wide range of personality traits. None of us has all these traits, but we will probably find many that describe us. King Babies may show these Characteristics.
Often become angry or afraid of authority figures and will attempt to work them against each other in order to get their own way
seek approval and frequently lose their own identities in the process
able to make good first impression but unable to follow through
have difficulty accepting personal criticism and become threatened and angry when criticized
have addictive personalities and are driven to extremes
are often immobilized by anger and frustration and are rarely satisfied
are usually lonely even when surrounded by people
are chronic complainers who blame others for what is wrong in their lives
feel unappreciated and think they don't fit
see the world as a jungle filled with selfish people who aren't there for them
see everything as a catastrophe, a life or death satiation
judge life in absolutes: black and white, right and wrong
live in the past, fearful of the future
have strong feeling of dependence and exaggerated fears of abandonment
fear failure and rejections and don't try new things that they might not do well
are obsessed with money and material things
dream big plans and schemes and have little ability to make them happen
cannot tolerate illness in themselves or others
prefer to charm superiors and intimidate subordinates
believe rules and laws are for others, not for themselves
often become addicted to excitement, life in the fast lane
hold emotional pain within and lose touch with their feelings
If this was a test to see if I am an alcoholic I would pass with flying colors. It goes on to say how we change these patterns into something good. Gives us a feeling of self worth. Turn these traits over to our HP and let him. For me knowing what drives my ego help me better keep it in check.
The inner Struggle
Understanding King baby is difficult because things are never as they appear on the surface. There are two prime motivating factors: First, the scared, lonely, child who does not want to be hurt anymore and , second, the king Baby who is never satisfied.
I am reminded of the tale of two wolves right now. Which ever one you feed will grow stronger. So taking this list of defects I''m going to go out todAAy and make a difference in the world. I'm going to arrest the defects and be free of them for TodAAy.
One thing I rehab in rehab was about the "King Baby" In this pamphlet, we learn to identify the infantile King Baby ego within us. Our Childish personality traits must be surrendered before our disease can be fully arrested. the compulsive King Baby personality can accelerate addiction or lead to relapse....King babies share a wide range of personality traits. None of us has all these traits, but we will probably find many that describe us. King Babies may show these Characteristics.
Often become angry or afraid of authority figures and will attempt to work them against each other in order to get their own way
seek approval and frequently lose their own identities in the process
able to make good first impression but unable to follow through
have difficulty accepting personal criticism and become threatened and angry when criticized
have addictive personalities and are driven to extremes
are often immobilized by anger and frustration and are rarely satisfied
are usually lonely even when surrounded by people
are chronic complainers who blame others for what is wrong in their lives
feel unappreciated and think they don't fit
see the world as a jungle filled with selfish people who aren't there for them
see everything as a catastrophe, a life or death satiation
judge life in absolutes: black and white, right and wrong
live in the past, fearful of the future
have strong feeling of dependence and exaggerated fears of abandonment
fear failure and rejections and don't try new things that they might not do well
are obsessed with money and material things
dream big plans and schemes and have little ability to make them happen
cannot tolerate illness in themselves or others
prefer to charm superiors and intimidate subordinates
believe rules and laws are for others, not for themselves
often become addicted to excitement, life in the fast lane
hold emotional pain within and lose touch with their feelings
If this was a test to see if I am an alcoholic I would pass with flying colors. It goes on to say how we change these patterns into something good. Gives us a feeling of self worth. Turn these traits over to our HP and let him. For me knowing what drives my ego help me better keep it in check.
The inner Struggle
Understanding King baby is difficult because things are never as they appear on the surface. There are two prime motivating factors: First, the scared, lonely, child who does not want to be hurt anymore and , second, the king Baby who is never satisfied.
I am reminded of the tale of two wolves right now. Which ever one you feed will grow stronger. So taking this list of defects I''m going to go out todAAy and make a difference in the world. I'm going to arrest the defects and be free of them for TodAAy.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wise Sayins
Sayings, Slogans, and "Catch Phrases" have been part of 12 step programs from the beginning. Here are a few that we know. The list grows with time.
First Things First
Live and Let Live
Let go and let God
Time takes time
One day at a time
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less
Live life on life's terms
You can't think your way into a new way of living...you have to live your way into a new way of thinking
GOD = Good Orderly Direction
HALT = don't get to Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
Your worth should never depend on another persons opinion
HOW it works = Honesty, Open mindedness, and Willingness
SLIP = Sobriety Lost Its Priority
Don't pick up, ask for help, call your sponsor, and go to meetings
It's a simple program for complicated people
It works if you work it
Learn to listen and listen to learn
Many meetings, many chances; few meetings, few chances; no meetings, no chances
Meeting makers make it
People who don't go to meetings don't hear about what happens to people who don't go to meetings
To keep what you have, you have to give it away
How does it work? It works just fine
If you don't want to slip, stay away from slippery places
If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got
If you sit in the barber's chair long enough, you'll eventually get a haircut
Most things can be preserved in alcohol; dignity, however, is not one of them
Progress, not perfection
think......think.......think
Keep it simple
This too shall pass
Stick with the winners
H O P E = Happy Our Program Exists
Recovery is a journey ...not a destination
To thine own self be true
Turn it over
Nothing is so bad, a drink won't make it worse
Willingness is the key
Keep the plug in the jug
Do it sober
Hugs not Drugs
Just for Today
Pass it on
Don't quit before the miracle happens
Time takes time
Use the 24-hour plan
When all else fails, follow directions
Change is a process, not an event
Call your sponsor before, not after, you take the first drink
I was sick and tired of being sick and tired
It's the first drink that gets you drunk
Take what you can use and leave the rest
Help is only a phone call away
One drink is too many and a thousand not enough
Keep coming back
Easy does it
Principles before personalities
Seven days without a meeting makes one weak
If it looks like a Duck and it Quacks like a Duck it's probably a Duck
One of the best parts of recovery is getting your feelings back. The worst part is getting your feelings back.
A GRATEFUL Alcoholic won't drink
Give time...time
Is your program powered by Will Power or Higher Power?
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Misery is optional
God never made no junk
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less
Live life on life's terms
You can't think your way into a new way of living...you have to live your way into a new way of thinking
The key to freedom is in the Steps
If you want to stay clean, don't use
Learn to listen and listen to learn
Nobody ever found recovery as a result of an intellectual awakening
Call your sponsor before, not after, you take the first drink
You only get out of it what you put into it
An addict alone is in bad company
You can only keep what you have by giving it away
Recovery begins with the First Step
Nothing changes if nothing changes
It is possible to change without improving - it is impossible to improve without change
Experience, strength and hope not opinions, bullshit and dope
An addict cannot be grateful and hateful at the same time
Easy does it but do it
Serenity is not freedom from the storm but peace amid the storm
Feelings are not facts
Turn it over, don't turn it off
Seven days without a meeting makes one weak
Growing old is mandatory - Growing up is optional
Slogans are wisdom written in shorthand
First Things First
Live and Let Live
Let go and let God
Time takes time
One day at a time
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less
Live life on life's terms
You can't think your way into a new way of living...you have to live your way into a new way of thinking
GOD = Good Orderly Direction
HALT = don't get to Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired
Your worth should never depend on another persons opinion
HOW it works = Honesty, Open mindedness, and Willingness
SLIP = Sobriety Lost Its Priority
Don't pick up, ask for help, call your sponsor, and go to meetings
It's a simple program for complicated people
It works if you work it
Learn to listen and listen to learn
Many meetings, many chances; few meetings, few chances; no meetings, no chances
Meeting makers make it
People who don't go to meetings don't hear about what happens to people who don't go to meetings
To keep what you have, you have to give it away
How does it work? It works just fine
If you don't want to slip, stay away from slippery places
If you do what you always did, you'll get what you always got
If you sit in the barber's chair long enough, you'll eventually get a haircut
Most things can be preserved in alcohol; dignity, however, is not one of them
Progress, not perfection
think......think.......think
Keep it simple
This too shall pass
Stick with the winners
H O P E = Happy Our Program Exists
Recovery is a journey ...not a destination
To thine own self be true
Turn it over
Nothing is so bad, a drink won't make it worse
Willingness is the key
Keep the plug in the jug
Do it sober
Hugs not Drugs
Just for Today
Pass it on
Don't quit before the miracle happens
Time takes time
Use the 24-hour plan
When all else fails, follow directions
Change is a process, not an event
Call your sponsor before, not after, you take the first drink
I was sick and tired of being sick and tired
It's the first drink that gets you drunk
Take what you can use and leave the rest
Help is only a phone call away
One drink is too many and a thousand not enough
Keep coming back
Easy does it
Principles before personalities
Seven days without a meeting makes one weak
If it looks like a Duck and it Quacks like a Duck it's probably a Duck
One of the best parts of recovery is getting your feelings back. The worst part is getting your feelings back.
A GRATEFUL Alcoholic won't drink
Give time...time
Is your program powered by Will Power or Higher Power?
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Misery is optional
God never made no junk
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less
Live life on life's terms
You can't think your way into a new way of living...you have to live your way into a new way of thinking
The key to freedom is in the Steps
If you want to stay clean, don't use
Learn to listen and listen to learn
Nobody ever found recovery as a result of an intellectual awakening
Call your sponsor before, not after, you take the first drink
You only get out of it what you put into it
An addict alone is in bad company
You can only keep what you have by giving it away
Recovery begins with the First Step
Nothing changes if nothing changes
It is possible to change without improving - it is impossible to improve without change
Experience, strength and hope not opinions, bullshit and dope
An addict cannot be grateful and hateful at the same time
Easy does it but do it
Serenity is not freedom from the storm but peace amid the storm
Feelings are not facts
Turn it over, don't turn it off
Seven days without a meeting makes one weak
Growing old is mandatory - Growing up is optional
Slogans are wisdom written in shorthand
Recovery Affirmations
I am a good person.
I am intelligent.
Today, I will put all negativity behind me.
I am loved.
Today, I will rejoice in my abilities.
I have many talents.
My Higher Power loves me.
Today, I have confidence.
I am not a victim.
I look forward to each new day.
I no longer feel the need to control others.
I will be who I am.
I affirm my worth and goodness.
I am a loving person.
I am a strong person.
I am a friendly person.
I am a capable person.
I am not alone.
I am emotionally calm.
I respect myself.
I feel happy.
I am at peace with myself.
I am a responsible person.
I can be playful.
I can trust all of my thoughts and emotions.
I trust people.
I make decisions confidently.
Today I am a new person.
I touch those near me with love and gentleness.
I have a new awareness in my life.
I acknowledge my needs.
I allow my Higher Power to enter my life today.
I trust in the serenity my Higher Power provides.
I am calm and tranquil.
I can face my fears and work to overcome them.
I take full charge of my life today.
I let serenity flow into my life.
I feel appreciated today.
I can give to others with no strings attached.
I accept my parents and affirm my independence from them.
I am independent.
I can meet new opportunities without fear.
I am alert.
I will not be intimidated.
I am joyful.
I will seek out friends today.
I am a friendly person.
I am a good listener.
I do not dwell on the past.
I look for new challenges.
I feel complete today.
I feel great hope.
I feel great potential for myself.
I feel surrounded by love.
I can make things happen.
I feel relaxed.
I am a resourceful person.
I am non-judgmental.
I am tactful in my dealings with others.
I am learning to express my love.
I feel good about myself.
I express my feelings.
I make wise choices.
I treat myself with kindness and patience.
I am an important person.
I am beginning to establish my limits.
I am in charge of my life.
I forgive myself and others who have hurt me.
I am a friend to myself.
I can enjoy leisure without guilt and anxiety.
I can express my anger openly, honestly and appropriately.
Today I view my childhood without shame.
I open my heart to my inner child.
I can handle criticism with ease
I am intelligent.
Today, I will put all negativity behind me.
I am loved.
Today, I will rejoice in my abilities.
I have many talents.
My Higher Power loves me.
Today, I have confidence.
I am not a victim.
I look forward to each new day.
I no longer feel the need to control others.
I will be who I am.
I affirm my worth and goodness.
I am a loving person.
I am a strong person.
I am a friendly person.
I am a capable person.
I am not alone.
I am emotionally calm.
I respect myself.
I feel happy.
I am at peace with myself.
I am a responsible person.
I can be playful.
I can trust all of my thoughts and emotions.
I trust people.
I make decisions confidently.
Today I am a new person.
I touch those near me with love and gentleness.
I have a new awareness in my life.
I acknowledge my needs.
I allow my Higher Power to enter my life today.
I trust in the serenity my Higher Power provides.
I am calm and tranquil.
I can face my fears and work to overcome them.
I take full charge of my life today.
I let serenity flow into my life.
I feel appreciated today.
I can give to others with no strings attached.
I accept my parents and affirm my independence from them.
I am independent.
I can meet new opportunities without fear.
I am alert.
I will not be intimidated.
I am joyful.
I will seek out friends today.
I am a friendly person.
I am a good listener.
I do not dwell on the past.
I look for new challenges.
I feel complete today.
I feel great hope.
I feel great potential for myself.
I feel surrounded by love.
I can make things happen.
I feel relaxed.
I am a resourceful person.
I am non-judgmental.
I am tactful in my dealings with others.
I am learning to express my love.
I feel good about myself.
I express my feelings.
I make wise choices.
I treat myself with kindness and patience.
I am an important person.
I am beginning to establish my limits.
I am in charge of my life.
I forgive myself and others who have hurt me.
I am a friend to myself.
I can enjoy leisure without guilt and anxiety.
I can express my anger openly, honestly and appropriately.
Today I view my childhood without shame.
I open my heart to my inner child.
I can handle criticism with ease
Monday, July 19, 2010
Doing better than I thought.
Before getting out of treatment I was extremely nervous. I was questioning myself if I was able to stay sober once I was out. After all its easy to stay sober in rehab. The hard part comes once you're out in the real world. And it is hard but Im handleing it well. Im pretty surprised that I m feeling better than I thought at this point of my recovery. The nervousness has left me. Now I feel I can keep going forward. I thank God for that...
My sponser and I went to a beginners meeting. The newcomers would each share first and then the floor would be open for the rest to share. There was alot of oldtimers there as well. I loved it.
What I go out of that meeting was that a truly greatful addict/alcoholic never uses.
I got a good piece of email today from my email. I will attach it to this post.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
My First Days Out of Treatment
Jan 2009 "If I can do it, so can you!"
I was broken when I went into treatment for drug addiction. Now four and a half months later I have hope and willingness that I've never experienced before. I still have alot of hard work ahead of me but I am determined to stay clean and will go to any lengths to get there, like I did for the drugs. I can't fail if Im doing the right thing.
I was told to get to a meeting the day you get out and your chances are greater that you will remain clean the first year. So, I did. I also have a wonderful sponser who truly wants to help me and a homegroup. And even a network of people that want to help. Its awesome!! Im fortunate to even have another chance for a real life, not one that I just existed in, then to have friends in the program
that understand is the best thing that has even happened to me.
More later.....
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