12-step work~20 min12-step
Step 3: making a decision
Decide to stop running everything on self-will — and practice letting go, one day and one decision at a time.
Insisting that people and life go your way feeds much of the resentment and fear behind addiction. Step 3 is the decision to try another way: to let something bigger than you — whatever that is for you — guide your choices. It's a decision, not a feeling — often made with a short prayer or statement alongside a sponsor, and renewed each morning.
Step work is best done with a sponsor or mentor. This is a private place to prepare — share it with them when you're ready.
Running on self-will
1. Where trying to control everything has gotten me
People, outcomes, how others see me, my own feelings…
2. Things I keep trying to control that I can't
The decision
3. What 'turning it over' means to me — and what it doesn't
4. What I'm afraid will happen if I let go
5. My Step 3 decision, in my own words
A few sentences you could say each morning. Some people write a prayer, some a promise.
6. Have I made the decision?
When and where — and who was with me
Living it
7. How I'll renew it each morning
8. One situation this week where I'll pause and ask, 'What's the next right thing?'