The First Step – an action step
“Do we understand that we have no real control over drugs?”
Basic Text, p.18
At first, many of us may have thought the First Step required no action-we just
surrender and go on to Step Two. But Step One does require action!
The action we take in the First Step will be evident in the way we live, even from our
first day clean. If we truly believe that we are powerless over our addiction, we will
not choose to be around drugs. To continue to live with or associate with practicing
addicts may indicate a reservation in our program. An absolute belief that the First
Step applies to us will insure that we clear our homes of all drugs and paraphernalia.
As time goes on, we’ll not only continue with the basics but add new actions to our
First Step repertoire. We’ll learn to feel our feelings rather than trying to control
them. We’ll stop trying to be our own and only guides on our recovery journey;
selfsponsorship will cease.
We’ll begin looking to a Power greater than ourselves more
and more for spiritual satisfaction rather than trying to fill that void with something
else.
Surrender is only the beginning. Once we surrender, we need to learn how to live in
the peace we have found.
Just for today: I will take all the action necessary to practice the First Step. I truly
believe it applies to me.