Endigar 657 ~ Powerless
From the Daily Reflections of January 3;
We admitted we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable. (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 21)
It is no coincidence that the very first Step mentions powerlessness: An admission of personal powerlessness over alcohol is a cornerstone of the foundation of recovery. I’ve learned that I do not have the power and control I once thought I had. I am powerless over what people think about me. I am powerless over having just missed the bus. I am powerless over how other people work (or don’t work) the Steps. But I’ve also learned I am not powerless over some things. I am not powerless over my attitudes. I am not powerless over negativity. I am not powerless over assuming responsibility for my own recovery. I have the power to exert a positive influence on myself, my loved ones, and the world in which I live.
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To recognize that I am powerless over what others think of me, of missing the bus, or how others work the Steps is relevant in accepting a change in perspective of that which I have the power to change and what I do not. The only potential problem here is my potential reaction to that powerlessness.
This is very different than recognizing that I am powerless over alcohol. Powerlessness itself becomes a problem. It is like admitting that I am powerless over my compulsion to play Russian Roulette or to stand on the ledge of very tall buildings. This powerlessness must be overcome. It is also a recognition that we cannot overcome it when we are isolated and given over to self-deception. Our solution is a Step by Step process to gain power over alcohol, which begins with honesty about our life-threatening situation.
Daily Reprieve 
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