Some folks in our Program use this Step in a disciplined fashion, by admitting POME-ness daily.
If I have reluctance in speaking these words, I can ask myself, "Am I diminished when I admit I am powerlessness over my emotions?" If I feel diminished, it might be my thinking that is making me feel like junk. I personally think Step One "admits" me into the human family. Aren't we are all powerless over something at one time or another?
In completing the first Step, what I do NOT admit is as important as what I do admit. "I do not admit I am a failure." Sure, I may FEEL like a failure. But program stresses that "feelings are not facts." H.OW. I think about my emotions can help or hinder me in my recovery. Feelings are very real, and dealing with them is important.
There are other things I refuse to admit when admit my life is unmanageable. "I don't admit that I am a bad person." Yes, it feels bad when my life has become disorderly, attempting to "maintain the delusion of exercising power where I am powerless." Having such delusions is only an error, not a crime! Through my thinking, I have just "temporarily lost control of my life." Taking the First Step simply helps me begin to regain my serenity.
As I move on from Step One, I find Step Two encourages me to rebuild my life using a balanced perspective.
Quotes from January 4th's reading in Hope for Today
