This is how simple this amazing program is to get started.
I am not setting the world on fire with my stellar intellectual skills and this is shown in that I received my BS from the streets long before I received my BS from college or knowledge from recovery..
I need everything to be simplified in order for me to understand new ideas when I first hear about them. I bring this to the first three steps of AA recovery by making it simple: Step 1 — I can’t. Step 2 — He can. Step 3 — I think I’ll let Him.
This is how simple this amazing program is to get started.
Step 1 states: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable. I had quit drinking so many times that I finally quit quitting and my life was almost completely out of control.
As the fear grew into staggering proportions, I had no idea what, if anything, I could do. By myself, even after reading a bajillion self-help books, I was without a clue as to what was wrong and what I could do about it.
Step 2 says: Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. The only God that I was aware of couldn’t or wouldn’t help me because, to me, He was judgmental, punishing God whose last name was Damnit.
Then I started to understand that there was a Power greater than me that seemed to be in control. It allowed me to breathe without even thinking about it, my heart to beat with no assistance from me, and seasons to change on a regular basis.
Plus many other examples of Power that had nothing to do with me. If It could do all of these things, why wouldn’t It help me with my drinking problems and my fears? There was no hope for recovery.
Step 3 says: Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. NOTHING else had worked so why not give this God a try? I had all to gain and nothing to lose so I tried it and, amazingly, it worked.
It worked so well and quickly that, being addictive, I wanted more — much more. Did I get more and much more and, if so, how did I get it? Yes, I did when I jumped into the AA Program with both hands and feet.
With this beginning, I was starting to receive benefits that I was not even able to dream about before recovery.
BENEFITS BEGINNING EARLY
- Finally realizing that there was a God who was not “up there somewhere.” He was in my heart, up close and personal!
- Comfort in stressful situations.
- Peace of mind.
I wanted what this amazing program offered so much that I was willing to go to any lengths to keep this increasingly great feeling. And I wanted more. So, I “Faked it till I made it.” And also aped and copied everything that I saw and heard from those of you who seemed to be doing quite well.
If you said it, I said it. If you did it, I did it. Soon, it didn’t seem like I was copying anyone anymore. It felt like it was rising originally from me. To this day, as long as I continue to work on my program to the best of my ability each and every day, my life continues to get better and better. Recovery is not just a word anymore!
I changed from being a very big, very violent, very angry, very fearful man without knowing it. I became one who is Too blessed to be stressed. I am so very grateful to the spiritual AA Program for getting me started in this recovery.
Life is now a beautiful adventure and I am so very grateful for you who are in the Program and who are willing to share with me and help me to keep on this upward path of convalescence. Thank you, God!
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