All first steps are hard. We understand that. Everyone understands that. But at some point, you have to admit your dependency is a problem, and it is controlling your life. Even if you have taken this step before, there can be no denial, no blaming of others, no pretending. That is why we and many people in your life are here to help.
Step 1:
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.
In the Jewish Traveler’s Prayer we pray,
“Lead me, direct my steps and support me in peace. Lead me in life, tranquil and serene, until I arrive at where I am going….”We are all on a journey. And it begins with one step.
The serenity prayer is central to the 12 Step meetings
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Step 2
Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Moses found God at the burning bush.
G-d comes to us in a still small voice.
Pay attention. Even if you think you see a fire or feel an earthquake. Take a moment and pause, to hear the voice. It may come from anywhere.
Listen to your wife, your spouse, your child, the guy in front of you in traffic. Maybe the message is simply to slow down, or to speed up, or to get in the other lane.
Step 3:
Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.
The good news about being an alcoholic or an addict in recovery is the knowledge that you don’t have to do it alone. I have come to believe.
Get to know God, before you are ready to turn anything over. Use prayer and meditation. Create in Shabbat, the Sabbath, a place of peace and refuge for yourself. Music and poetry can help too…Sometimes, we come to know God through other people. Try to be more aware of others. Listen carefully. God often speaks through those who seem least likely to be holy messengers.