The First Step helps us focus on
ourselves, our problems, our needs, instead of on the other
person or group. The First Step also helps us realize that we
are not alone. We are not the only person who has faced the
difficulties, afflictions, or addictions we are struggling to
overcome. Notice the plural "We" is used twice in this First
Step, and the word "Our" is used once.
One of our problems is our
isolation from others. When we withdraw into ourselves alone,
our compulsions and dependencies seem to intensify. So, in
working the First Step, we do focus on ourselves, but in doing
so we remind ourselves that we are not alone. Indeed, for those
who have found God already, our Higher Power is helping us work
this step.
The First Step also reminds us that we
are not dealing with something insignificant; such as, a leaky
roof, a car with a broken window, or a need for a new job. No,
we are dealing with our very lives! Our lives are far greater
than any of our possessions or any "thing" that is broken, or
some "thing" that we lack. Getting our lives "fixed" or
beginning to "fix" our lives will help us maintain serenity and
find the confidence and power we need to deal with every "thing"
else.
For these and other reasons, think about
the power of the Serenity Prayer to give
you the wisdom to change the things you can.
"God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot
change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom
to know the difference." With the wisdom God gives you, join
with others and say with me, "We admitted we were powerless over
alcohol -- that our lives had become unmanageable."
