“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God.”
—The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous
If Step One represents an end to the old way of life, and Step Two requires the willingness to start a new one, then Step Three is really the beginning of the spiritual work that defines a life of recovery. It’s a step into action.
“Made a decision” signifies the moment of that deliberate change, when an addict or alcoholic releases their grip on the reins of his or her life.
Of course, most decisions usually require further action, and this one is no exception.
The rest of the steps will guide you through the hard work of living a life without your self will run riot — once you come to terms with that decision in your mind and heart in Step Three.
Coming to peace with that choice requires the acceptance that you can trust your Higher Power to handle your life with “care.” No matter what kind of Higher Power you choose, Step Three reminds that it’s a loving, all-powerful force that wants to guide your life toward your greatest good.
As one of the more spiritual steps, Step Three can be hard to grasp at times. But if you’re feeling anxious, worried, or overwhelmed, those are all signs that you might need to revisit it.
And saying the Third Step Prayer might help you reconnect with what it means:
God, I offer myself to thee — to build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt. Relieve me of the bondage of self, that I may better do Thy will. Take away my difficulties, that victory over them may bear witness to those I would help, of Thy power, Thy love, and Thy way of life. May I do Thy will always!
For more information about how the steps can help you find a new freedom and a new happiness, contact us at Clean Path Behavioral Health.