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Step One:We admitted we were powerless over the effects of alcoholism or other family dysfunction, that our lives had become unmanageable.
This is the foundation of the ACA Program where we admit that what we have done in the past is not working. We need help to bring sanity back into our lives!
The ACA World Service Organization (WSO) publishes a book: Twelve Steps of Adult Children Workbook. They are closed right now, but you may be able to find it on Amazon. There is lots of other great literature on The ACA Program.
Yes, The Program means different things to different people. There is no set time line for working The Steps. Also, you can go back and re-do a Step.
What is step one? Does it mean different things for different people? How long does step one usually take?
Step one is the realization that we are powerless over all persons, places and things OUTside of us and even our defects until we can work thru the program, then we have control over OUR actions through working the program and a strong relationship with a higher power AS WE UNDERSTAND that higher power
and yes, I am poweless over my control addiction, but my higher power is not, so I CAN, if I am humble, open and willing, I CAN cast it onto my HP for either healing all of it, or at the very least managing it....
we all have our archilles heels which we know we are powerless over on our own self will, our own devices, so to speak...but doing all we can (working the program, working the steps, hopefully with a sponsor or recovery mate, all the program suggestions, meetings, literature, slogansL) we CAN overcome
how long??? depends on the individual...i see me going back to step one EVERY time I feel like I am in over my head and I accept it now and I turn it over WHEN I know I've done my best and everything I can ....will power, ego won't cut it.....only being humble, open and willing with my higher power can I overcome those difficult issues that defeated me into the state where I was.....
I re-visit the steps all the time...Until I die, I will be in alignment with the steps....they are my "life 101" program does not promise me a rose garden, but my program helps me navigate through the "S*** storms of life"....
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ROSIE, a work in progress!!!
Keep it simple__Easy does it__Keeping the focus on me--AND___"Forgiveness doesn't excuse bad behavior, but does prevent bad behavior from destroying your heart" ~ Unknown
