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Post by estrela5 on Feb 7, 2009 9:26:38 GMT -8
We need to make a distinction between powerlessness and owning our power. The first step in recovery is accepting powerlessness. There are some things we can't do, no matter how long or hard we try. These things include changing other people, solving their problems, and controlling their behavior. Sometimes, we feel powerless over ourselves - what we feel or believe, or the effects of a particular situation or person on us. It's important to surrender to powerlessness, but it's equally important to own our power. We aren't trapped. We aren't helpless. Sometimes it may feel like we are, but we aren't. We each have the God-given power, and the right, to take care of ourselves in any circumstance, and with any person. The middle ground of self-care lies between the two extremes of controlling others and allowing them to control us. We can walk that ground gently or assertively, but in confidence that it is our right and responsibility. Let the power come to walk that path. Today, I will remember that I can take care of my self. I have choices, and I can exercise the options I choose without guilt. “Last week I decided that even if life is absurd why couldn’t I spend it absurdly happy?” Hillary Clinton 1960's
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Post by Susan Peabody on Feb 7, 2009 12:45:46 GMT -8
Divine Intervention or Will Power? The first step does not say we are powerless, it says we are powerless over are addiction. What this means that "without help" we are powerless. "Alone" we are powerless. Once we incorporate God and others into our lives our powerlessness is transformed into ego strength. The first step is preparing us to align ourselves with God and other so together we can heal. In other words, we lack power and then we are given power and then we are not powerless. There is a great uproar between the psychiatric community and 12-Step programs over the issue of "powerlessness." We all wonder once we get better whether it was because of will power or divine intervention. I don't know. Some switch is thrown and suddenly we are ready to change. We have the willingness which is a precursor to change. For me, it happened instantly at a AA meeting so I went along with the party line that it was a gift from God. But nobody knows. I just know it happened so suddenly that it did seem like a miracle. Somebody or something flipped a switch and I had the "power" to get better. That is all I know. Once the willingness is there we must push forward using our own power. If the switch was thrown in therapy we must continue therapy and own our power to change. If the switch was thrown in a 12-Step program then utilize this to own your own power which was thrown under a bus by your addiction. Great thread. I look forward to responses.
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Post by judy on Feb 8, 2009 5:11:12 GMT -8
I guess I'm like that leper that was cured by Jesus in the gospel story. I don't care how I got it or why - I'm just happy to have it!!!!
Call it grace, willingness, fate, will-power - maybe it's a combo of all. And everyone has their path.
In my desperation 27 years ago with another addition I found something that works for me. I hang on to it for dear life today because I love it and it keeps me alive.
I want to hang on to the recovery suggestions here in the same way.
Whenever I don't act out in LAA addiction - when I practice "Silence is dignity" - I feel whole and at peace with myself. I am so grateful for that.
I'm not out of the woods yet, but I am on the road.
Thanks!!!
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Post by Susan Peabody on Feb 8, 2009 12:40:49 GMT -8
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