Step 1 - Powerless - Part 2

Step 1: We admitted that we were powerless over our addition(s) and compulsive behaviors that our lives had become unmanageable.

Welcome back folks.  Today we pick back up with “powerless”.  Thanks to those of you that sent us comments on this. 

As stated in our last post, this is perhaps the biggest stumbling block that most of us face when we begin our Recovery Journey.  Very few of us want to admit that we are powerless.  Many of us struggle with this idea.  Many of us try to find an easier softer way when it comes to this.  Many of us try to cheat, lie and even ignore this word altogether.  The fortunate truth is, that until we can admit to this state we cannot successfully Recover. 

So let’s take another look at this word that gives us so much difficulty.  Again, Webster’s defines powerless as “devoid of strength or resources; lacking the authority or capacity to act”.

In practicing our addiction(s) and compulsive behaviors, we find ourselves in situations that we wonder just how we got here.  You know what I mean.  You promised that you wouldn’t drink or use only to find yourself drunk or high?  What happened to get you to use or drink?  Yet how many times have we continued with our drugging and/or drinking?  Telling ourselves and others I’ll do better next time.  I won’t do that again.  It won’t happen to me.  Yeah right.  And still we are adamant that we are not powerless, that we are in control.   We can handle it.  Yada yada.

Truth is, we “lack the capacity to act” right.  We, on our own, do not have enough strength or will power to “just not pick up” or use.  Face it, until we can be honest with our self about our powerlessness we cannot Recover.

If you still have doubts or if you still maintain that you are not powerless, maybe this will help.  Take a few minutes and think about some of the times that you drank or got high or were compulsive even after promising to do better or not to.  Write it down if you need to.  But give it some real thought.  What were the circumstances?  What were your actions or reactions?   What happened?  Why did you do what you did or behave the way that you did?  What was the outcome?

Give this some serious thought and time folks.  We are not in a hurry.  Remember, Step 1 is the only Step that has to be worked perfectly.  Send us your thoughts and comments.  We’ll pick it up here next time.

Until then ……. be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!”   

  

Step One - Powerless - Part One

Step 1: We admitted that we were powerless over our addition(s) and compulsive behaviors that our lives had become unmanageable.

Welcome back folks.  Before we get too deep into “powerless” we wanted to reiterate that, there is no hopeless case and that there is Hope for everyone.  However, the fortunate Truth of our addiction/compulsive behavior Recovery is this; in order to Recover, the majority of us have to experience our own Rock Bottom.  This means that we not only have the revelation of our powerlessness but we experience a period of feeling hopeless as well.  Because each person’s rock bottom is different, this time period will vary with each individual as well.  But we have to go through this.  Without experiencing this emotional toilet, we are not broken.  It’s that brokenness that awakens us to the Truth and it’s that Truth that sets us free.  We must become honest-Rigorously Honest- if we desire to Recover.  It’s that honesty that allows us to admit with conviction our powerlessness over our addiction(s) and compulsive behaviors.  

Since this one word (powerless) is such a stumbling block to us when we begin our Recovery Journey, we are going to take some time with it.  We are not in a race and it is imperative that we get this right. 

Even though each Step is vital to our Recovery, and we will have our “road trips” and ups and downs along the way, Step 1 is the only Step that has to be worked perfectly.  There can be no flaw, no short cut, no “getting by”, no “good enough” and no reserve with this Step if we are to Recover.

As we have mentioned in this blog many times, drinking/using isn’t the real problem.  It is but a symptom of something much deeper.    Many of us have abstained for periods of time only to pick up /use again. 

Have you noticed that none of the 12 Step Recovery Programs have the word “abstinence” in the first step?  Have you ever wondered why that is?    While abstinence from our DOC (drug of choice) is a start, it isn’t the solution.  So abstinence alone does not lead to Recovery.

What leads us to Recovery is the realization and conviction of what we state in the First Step:  “We admitted that we were powerless over……that our lives had become unmanageable.”

Webster’s defines powerless as “devoid of strength or resources; lacking the authority or capacity to act”.  But what does powerless mean to you?  Powerless- to not pickup/use, over what happens when you do, over quitting, over the effects that it has on you?  Or just powerless period?  Send us your thoughts.  We’d like to know what you think of when you hear or say the word powerless as it pertains to addiction/compulsive behavior.

Join us again soon as we discuss more about Recovery and your comments about it. 

Until then ……. be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!” 

Let's Get Going

Hello, welcome back folks and a special shout out to our audience in different countries.  We appreciate all of you that follow us and greet the new comers as well.

WARNING:  Successful completion of this trip will make you a better person. 

Today we begin our journey.  This is a lifelong endeavor that is made up of many short trips.  The initial working through of the 12 Steps is just one of those trips.  But it is the most important one on the path to Recovery.

This series on the 12 Steps is not all inclusive and will be mixed with other helpful information.  It is intended to be thought provoking and different.  We hope that you will find it helpful as you travel down the road to your own Recovery.  Take what works for you and leave the rest.

 It is important for you to remember that we are not experts and we are not gurus in this arena.  What we present here and on our website is not meant to be the final word nor is it meant to replace a sponsor, meetings or professional help.  Please view (here) for more on this.  A lot of what we will be using is material from the vast resources that are available out there.  However, most of what we present is in our own words and is what has worked for us. 

We are no better than anyone and no worse than anyone.  We, too, have struggles, troubles, problems and our own addictions to deal with.  Our purpose is to utilize our experience, strength and hope to carry the message of Recovery to others who still suffer.  As always, your questions and comments are welcome.

 That being said, let’s get going.

Step 1:  We admitted that we were powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors that our lives had become unmanageable.

The “we” indicates that this is not a “me” or” I” program.  While each of us is different and responsible for our own program, you are not alone.  The fellowship is here to support you.

“Admitted”-the use of this word here means more that a casual “I have a problem” or “I need to stop”.  What we are actually saying is that we have a conviction that…, we are resolute that…, and that there is no reservation that we are totally powerless over our addiction(s) and compulsive behavior.

Make no mistake about it-unless you are totally convinced that you are powerless over your addiction(s) and compulsive behaviors you might as well stop right now.  No, we are not saying give up.  But we are saying that until you can absolutely admit that you are powerless over whatever it is that you are addicted to there is no need to continue. 

You must be able to admit your powerlessness in Step 1 in order to progress to the next step.

Do not be ashamed or discouraged if you cannot do that yet.  It has taken most of us many attempts and a very long time to get to that point.  The main thing is to keep at it, never give up and remember that there is no such thing as a hopeless case. 

We will pick it up with powerless next time.

Join us again soon.

Until then ……. be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!”  

 

Preparation for 12 Step Study

We are very excited that we are almost ready to begin our study of the 12 Steps that will lead us to Recovery.  Our prior discussions have been an attempt to prepare you for this endeavor.  By now you should be ready to embark on your journey to Recovery.

Remember that Recovery is being restored to any former or better condition.  It is not merely the abstinence of using but learning to live life on life’s terms.

The road to Recovery will have a lot of bumps, pot holes and some breakdowns along the way.  There will be some construction zones as well as some traffic delays.  But don’t be discouraged, there will also be some smooth roads and some rest areas along the route.  There is no need to speed or rush and be mindful of shortcuts and detours; they don’t always lead us in the right direction.  Just follow the road map, be alert, be persistent and you WILL arrive at your destination.

Fortunately, this is not a “leave the driving to us” trip, because each of us must make this journey for our self.  If we are to succeed, we must be responsible and do the work required to get us to our destination. 

Although we are all heading in the same direction and to the same destination, Recovery, not all of us will reach it at the same time.  Sadly, some of us will not make it at all.

Remind yourself that there is no time limit, no first place and no last place.  We all must proceed at our own pace.  The main thing is to make solid progress.  The point is that everyone that reaches their destination is a Winner regardless of how long it takes.  As long as you finish.

Caution: this doesn’t mean that you can tarry and procrastinate either.  Those who do will not have built a solid foundation upon which to place their Recovery.

But before we begin everyone needs to review, prepare and equip themselves.  First review the previous posts to familiarize yourself with the mechanics of Recovery.  Second, prepare your mind for your journey.  Then equip yourself with the necessary travel provisions that you may need along the way.

Ask any questions that you may have now because starting Feb 1, 2013, we begin the trip to Recovery.

Join us again soon.

Until then ……. be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!” 

 

Addiction - Conclusion

Addiction: the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Welcome back folks.  We hope that everyone enjoyed a great Christmas and that your New Year is off to a productive start.

Before the holidays we were discussing “addiction” and that’s where we will pick up this time.

Remember, addiction isn’t the occasional weekend use or drunk.  Addiction involves much more frequent use.

As was stated, living in our addiction is counterproductive.  This leads to the unmanageability of our lives.  Having a drink or using just to loosen up or to feel like we fit in normally lands us in more trouble and with more problems than we had in the first place.  Yet, we still to do it.  We have to-because we are addicted.

The fact that our addiction is persistent keeps us in bondage to that unmanageable lifestyle. No matter how many promises we make or how much trouble we get into, the compulsion will continue to rise up and we will give in to it.  Until we overcome our addiction and the underlying reason(s) that we use, we will be a slave to it.

  Simple, just not easy.  That’s where we will pick it up next time. 

Join us again soon.

Until then ……. be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!” 

NEW YEAR

  “Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” 

    ― Benjamin Franklin

Merry Christmas

All of us here at Your Daily Fix would like to wish you and yours a Very

MERRY  CHRISTMAS

And a blessed

New Year

Happy Birthday Jesus

Join us again soon.

Until then ……. Be sure to tell a friend about us.

Thanks for visiting us – come back soon.

Remember:  “It is what it is and “it ain’t nothing but a thing!”