Step 1 states: We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol and that our lives had become unmanageable. Everything has a starting place. For an alcoholic who is sick and tired of being sick and tired and wants to get better, it is the 1st Step of this effective process of recovery. The most beautiful of butterflies started out as an ugly bug-like creature called a caterpillar. Then it became a creation that brightens up the sky and our gardens.
The fastest human alive, maybe an Olympic sprinter, started out not even being able to stand, let alone run on tiny legs, when leaving its mother’s womb. Also, consider that the strongest person in the world couldn’t raise anything above its own voice when born. The most inspirational person you have ever known in recovery couldn’t even guarantee that he or she was going to get out of a dry bed or urine soaked bed when in the madness and starting this super effective program.
So, for the rest of us, we start out with Step 1. Something is wrong in my life, horribly wrong, and I am not sure just what it is. I only know that I have no control over how I am feeling and acting. It may take any form. “I see no reason to even live anymore.” “No one can do the right thing without my doing it for them.” “Is everyone in the world an a-hole?”
Of course, we can’t forget “Why am I feeling so sick all the time?” “Why am I always injuring myself?” “I can outdrink anyone.” “How can that person only sip a little from their drink and then walk away?” And on and on and on to now! “Should I live or die?” “Damn, this gun oil is not tasting so bad now that I have stuck my pistol in my mouth so many times. Just trying to get the courage to pull the trigger?” Then there’s “Why can’t I guarantee my actions after starting to drink?”
I am driving home from work and call ahead to say I’m only going to stop for a drink and then I will be home. Telling the truth as I knew it at the time. And then, either having a drink and going home. Or ending up closing the bar and going home. Mmaybe closing the bar and going to a blind pig and then going home. Or leaving the pig and breaking out in spots. Spots such as Cleveland, Chicago, Windsor, and not remember all or most of where I had been. Or even what I had done. Nothing was effective for my well being after taking that first drink.
I once discovered a spent casing in my pistol that I always carried. I was terrified because I didn’t remember firing it. My life was totally unmanageable and I now knew that I was powerless over alcohol. The thing that most terrified me was that I didn’t have a clue how to get out of it or if I even really wanted to. I was that ugly caterpillar that only knew crawling around on the ground. Not knowing that there was beauty and flight in me just waiting for me to be ready.
Well, my friend, the miracle of flight and beauty is yours and the only effective thing that you must do to achieve it is to be willing to BELIEVE that it is for you. If you are having trouble believing that it is yours for the taking, just do the best you can and let us believe for you. If you want what we have and are willing to go to any lengths to get it, then COD, come on down. We have the belief in you that, by sticking around, not picking up that first drink, and working this amazing program to the best of your ability, you will have it all and more for yourself. THAT IS A PROMISE!
I don’t lie and either do these others when we PROMISE you that your life will get better STARTING RIGHT NOW! But only if you are willing to do a little work WITH US. Yup, I said “with us” because you never have to feel alone again, unless you CHOOSE to for some reason. This Step is thought of by many in the Program as being only for the newcomers. But the truth is, it is for ALL who are working a day at a time to be effective and stay sober. None of the rest of the Steps mentions anything about alcohol. They ALL are about how we change our thinking and become Happy, Joyous, and Free. Not always easy but ALWAYS simple!
We can be reached at Spiritualityandrecovery@gmail.com or 810-965-6140 usually within hours.
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