None

Thank you for the great suggestions!

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Recovering My Spirit

Working the First Step (Suggestion only)

Working The First Step

There are many different ways to work the steps. This is just one of
them. It is often helpful to work the steps on a single issue rather
on a whole life of experiences to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
It is necessary to understand what powerlessness and unmanageability
means. Here we will apply the first step to the issue of control over
others. Your goal is to accept on a mental and emotional level (gut
level) how your attempts to control others have made your life
unmanageable.

These questions are intended as part of an experience that can be
shared in your meetings. Remember, it is your feelings that are
important to write about and share with others.

The First Step reads: We admitted that we were powerless over the
effects of addiction... that our lives had become unmanageable.

In meetings we talk about applying the First Step to what or whomever
we are powerless over.

Please write your specific examples of powerlessness and
unmanageability for each of the following:


In the following ways I have tried to control the behavior and/or
feelings of others.






Examples of how my own mental state is affected through preoccupation
with others:






In my attempts to control, I have violated my own values or been
dishonest in the following ways: (e.g., saying or doing things that
violate my values)






As the result of endless reactions, heavy mental, emotional and
physical prices have been paid such as:





This is hard work and new for most. This initial effort is a good
start in the process of letting go and freeing yourself from the
inappropriate and self-defeating behavior of the past. It is
important, however, to realize that recovery is a process that is
progressive. Please be patient in your desire for immediate results
but persistent in your efforts to apply your program.

Ask yourself some of these questions as a measurement of your
recovery.

Do I believe and understand that codependency is a primary illnesses?
Do I accept that the family diseases of chemical dependency and
codependency are illnesses to each family member and that no one
escapes?
Do I accept that I am only responsible for myself and that I do not
have the power to change anyone else?
Do I realize what I provoke in another person when I attempt to
change and control that person?
Feeling satisfied with my answers to the previous questions, am I
willing to let go of my obsession with others and look at me, myself,
as I really am?

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Peace & Love

First Step

Thank you!  These are wonderful thought provoking questions.  I've worked this step over and over and need to continue working on it.  I appreciate the reminder!

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There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time.