The Acceptance Steps

These first three Steps are the acceptance Steps. I didn't understand this at first. Step One felt like defeat. Step Two felt like wishful thinking. Step Three felt like surrender. How were these acceptance? I wanted action steps problem-solving steps change-making steps.

But recovery starts with acceptance not action. I had to accept my powerlessness before I could stop the exhausting attempts at control. I had to accept that a Power greater than myself could restore me before I could stop trying to be my own higher power. I had to accept the possibility of turning my will over before I could experience the freedom that comes from letting go.

These Steps teach acceptance of reality. Reality that I'm powerless over alcohol and other people. Reality that I can't restore my own sanity through force of will. Reality that surrender leads to freedom rather than bondage. Without accepting these realities I'd still be fighting battles I can never win.

I've learned that acceptance isn't passive or weak. It's the necessary foundation for everything that follows. The remaining Steps build on this acceptance showing me how to live differently. But without these first three acceptance Steps I'd have nothing solid to build on. I'd still be constructing my recovery on the shifting sand of denial.

Today I can practice acceptance of one reality I've been resisting.