Step12.com

[GeoffS]

I just had (yet) another Step 2 experience.

I think I'll keep coming back!!

[Dallas]

I understand.

Me too. Ditto. I think I'll keep coming back, too!

Dallas

[ccs]

me too I double your Ditto and raise ya an I know I`ll keep coming back

[Mitchell25418]

I'm currently working on Step 2 - I keep waiting for "experience's" to happen and get nothing. I am religous person and pray daily for help with this step, but I feel stuck. Maybe I'm looking for too much and should move on the step 3?

I guess I should be having this chat with my sponser, but thought I"d throw it out to you all.

[DiggerinVA]

Mitchell25418

Look at the step.


2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.


It does not say a burning bush will appear. What it says is that you believe. It could be as simple as, it worked for someone else, so why not me.

Then you move on. Remember "Keep it simple". People tend to make it more difficult than it is.

[Mitchell25418]

Thanks for reminding me - My sponser did exactly the same thing - I guess I'm an easy read. The step meeting last night was step 11 - even though I'm no where near that step - hearing how to pray was very helpful. This is a great site - so glad I found it!

[Dallas]

If you think that AA or the 12 Steps may help you, you already have enough "Came to believe" of Step 2, to move on to the 3rd Step of "making a decision to do the work necessary to try it."

And, after you make the "third step decision to do it"... launch into the actions of Steps 4 through 12, to actually do it.

I believe that most people get hung up on Step 2, because they "think" that if they take "Step 3"... it means that "they have actually already turned their will and life over to a God -- that they understand."

And, Step 3, doesn't mean that at all. Step 3, is simply making a decision, like you made this morning to "get out of bed."

You decided to get out of bed. Then, you took actions (4 through 12) to get your body out of bed and into the day.

Dallas

[Mitchell25418]

Well put, Thanks! My biggest problem with the steps is over analysis.

[DiggerinVA]

[Scott: Alcoholic]

My girl and I observe folks all of the time when we are out at the meetings we attend regularly. Every now and then she'll lean over to me and say,

"See So-N-So? The Restoration Process has begun for that one - look at his/her eyes! The lights are coming on! Isn't that AweSome!!"

And I smile and nod...and it is awesome to see a sick and desperate soul coming back to life.

And my girl? She is so excited when she notices this change because she remembers [to the moment] that day in her own life when the Restoration Process began for her. She had to stop what she was doing and call her sponsor to give that woman the great news! That is just the coolest.

Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. All I know is that it's not only one of the Promises, but also one of the Miracles of this Simple Program. To even be able to concede that something bigger than me existed was a miracle in my life! LoL! AA is about the only thing that has promised me 100% of anything in this life but delivered 1000%!

Remain in Hope, stay active in the program and the Promises will come alive in your own life.

~Peace~

[Dallas]

[dopeless hopefiend]

Remember the 12 steps are a journey. Not a destination. But you need to take the action of doing them!(as described in the BB with a sponsor)

My suggestion and what has helped me is the quote from step 2 that God is either everything or else he is nothing. God either is or he isnt. what was our choice to be? This is known as the second step proposition for those wishing to experience more freedom. With this, constant vigilance, and some accountability i have had several second step experiences.

As for struggling with your second step? In step 1 i learned how i am a hopeless alcoholic and am powerless and always will be. LACK OF POWER. THAT IS MY DILEMMA. I HAVE TO FIND A POWER BY WHICH I CAN LIVE. AND THIS HAS TO BE A POWER GREATER THAN MYSELF. It is just becoming willing to believe in a higher power. bango. your on to step three. its like this. did you make the sun rise this morning? no. do you thinking something else more powerful than you might have? yes. lets move on to step three and make a decision. and then continue with 4-12

[Dallas]

[dopeless hopefiend]

Yes. Well for me it comes into practice as which areas of my life have i not or am i not willing to give to god. In experiencing my higher power through the 12 steps i have recovered from the seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. Its like god can have the hard stuff, the booze and dope, but ill just keep the girl, the house, the family, the financial stuff, the job. But my self will can run riot in so many other areas of my life. And then i run on fear, rather than giving it to god (if god is everything). Its a way of how i came to believe( he either is, or he isn't) so its re-submitting to the process, laying aside my prejudice's and ego. So i can experience more freedom, more happiness and serenity and live more in the sunlight of the spirit:) so i can come around again. And experience more of this neat deal, and continue to grow and get closer with god, so i can experience what this is all about, and keep myself accountable to living this thing, 12 steps a day. Remember God is either everything or else he is nothing. God either is or he isn't. What is our choice to be? (for this alchoholic their is no middle of the road solution)

Thats the best i can sum up the second step proposition at this hour;)

thanks for the reply and letting me share. God Bless

mitch d

[Dallas]

Thanks, Mitch! I appreciate you and your sharing!

Dallas