Working the Steps

Step 1 : We admit we are powerless over our dependencies and that our lives have become unmanageable.

The preceeding "short form" of step one appears simple. Gut level permanence of sobriety, however, "develops slowly over a period of time" as the 12 steps treat underlying causes of compulsion to drink, while retraining us for "contented useful" lives.

Five "One Day At a Time" suggestions were passed down by my sponsor.

---- make a statement that I will not drink for one day;
---- attend at least one AA meeting;
---- talk to another alcoholic of sponsor level sobriety.
---- read AA literature. I read the Big Book Step 11 page 86 about "Upon Awakening......to end of chapter" each day, for several years.

Today, December 2001, my morning prayer inludes -
--- thanks for yesterday's sobriety,
--- Please help me stay away from a drink or drug.
--- the p86 statement, "Before we begin, we ask God to direct our thinking, especially asking that it be - divorced from self-pity, dishonest or self-seeking motives."

I make a statement of thanks before retiring at night and contemplate upon page 86 top paragraph which begins with "On retiring........"

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