STEP THREE
Find That which gives me Strength.
We know that we need to change our ways, and that we've been unsuccessful on our own, but who can help us? Let's face it; ulimately, we are responsible for taking care of ourselves. So how can we accept help, and what can help give us strength?
If by ourselves we cannot help ourselves, perhaps together we can help each other. Perhaps the fellowship in the program of DERP will encourage us, knowing we're not alone will hearten us, using the Tools will aid us, and taking these Steps will strengthen us.
We choose to see a therapist, read uplifting literature, journal, call in times of need. We can set short-term goals and commit them, then keep setting new goals. But what motivates us? What inspires us to take any of these steps? We begin by using the suppport of the group. But when we're alone and hearing loud messages from the negative mind, how can we begin to hear the actual mind?
The negative mind causes disorder; the actual mind wants us to be happy and healthy physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The negative mind gives us negative messages; the actual mind needs to become strong enough to fight the negative messages and help us to live peacefully.
The actual mind grows stronger with practice, with each stretch of time that the body is treated healthfully. Remember: progress, not perfection. Eventually we will be able to find and recognize our own strength of actual mind or our power.
There is an energy force from the Universe that is within us and among us. This great "Force" has always been there within us, and it is our insane life processes that have blocked "IT" from our view. It is not so much a request to take a "leap of faith" as it is a request to quiet ourselves and reconnect with that from which our original self came. Some of us call it God, Buddha, Jehovah, Allah, Higher Power, Creator, or Spirit of Life. You may wish to use your own name and talk to the real you that's deep within.
You can also choose to simply believe in the PROCESS. You can have faith that by continuing to work this program you will get better. That belief can be your strength.
Meditation is quieting oneself and listening to internal messages. Listen to that part of yourself that wants to be happy and is capable of making healthy decisions The more you do it, the stronger the actual mind becomes. Those negative messages will eventually turn to messages of hope, of wanting happiness and health physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our willpower has been weak or temporary or lacking. We need to have a power greater than our disordered thinking to well-up from within and inspire us to have life and to live it abundantly. This Strength will give us the courage to continue with the next Steps.
Who or what "calls" to me, and moves me toward recovery?
What name can I give, or how do I define, "That which is my Strength"?
How do I think or believe this Strength can help me recover?
How do I feel about having faith in the process of recovery?
Am I willing to try this program and use the Tools to become a recovering person?
