I want/need to learn. What are some higher powers? I struggle with religion and God.
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I get it Steve. I’m 10 years in and defining my higher power was a real struggle for me in the begging, and continued to be for years. For years I just just decided I would use The Force until I had a better idea. I kept a Star Wars collectors coin in my pocket, and I would rub it and say “Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope!” to myself. In time, I let go of needing a name, shape or form. I believe there is actually is a creative force in the universe, and it wants us to flourish as our own bodies strive to have individual cells flourish- never knowing or identifying any single cell, but supporting the structure as a whole. I can pray to it as a way to send my energy back to it, while not actually believing there is a man with a white beard sitting on a marble throne in the clouds taking notes. There is a higher power, it is not me. So very simple, and so very complex, all at the same time.
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Thank you, that's helpful!
Unnecessary. You're trying to stay sober/clean. You don't need to prescribe to god/religion/higher power.
The shape/form we need is the fellowship of people that are in the struggle like we are. Some people insist on calling this a "higher power". Doesn't make sense to me, as that wording to me always denotes some sort of super naturalization that I just don't believe in. Sometimes the old timers say "it can be whatever you want it to be, a tree, the ocean, a strawberry milkshake " etc etc. If it's that mercurial and nonsensical, why bother? Im not the center of the universe? Well how do you know? How does anyone know? Also, a nonsensical statement. I DO know that my actions have consequences that sometimes effect people around me, very negatively. That's good enough for me.
I just stopped worrying about it and trying to figure it out. It doesn't matter. I go to meetings and hang out with sober people, and try to help other get/stay sober. That's the main point of AA. To help eachother.
No religious conversions needed.
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I like that Thank you!
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Yes lots of different options, and ideas, there is more than just one way to stay sober. Smart recovery, or just white knuckling it and crying everyday but I don’t suggest that. I have my ways but everyone finds their recovery on their own, people can help direct you but in the end it’s just you and those parts of us left when we stop using or drinking that we’re things we were covering up with substances. Those are the problems, not the substances. Not saying go use or drink, just that alcohol can’t drink itself. Drugs can’t do themselves. In recovery we learn more about ourselves parts that we like, and don’t like, things we need to work on, etc. you just need to get through today. Funny thing is, after today, it will just be another”today” but it helps to just think about it like you only have to get through 24 hours and not drink or use. If you can commit to then you’ve got a shot for sure. I have faith in you, and you will soon too. I hope this helps a bit
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No higher powers. No god. No religion. It's been nice going down this path.
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Tell me more...how....do you stay positive when angry or sad? Different techniques in general where God stuff might be inserted.
You know when you’re really in some sh*t and feel like you don’t have anyone/thing to turn to and you start talking to yourself in your head just in case someone is listening. My higher power is whatever may or may not be listening. I don’t overthink it, and your higher power can be anything that is higher than you—the way drugs or alcohol used to be. It can be your family, your fellowship, this app, it doesn’t matter and it can change whenever you need it to. The important thing is you trust it enough to give your troubles away to it.
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Thank you! When people say, "Give it up to God!" and I'm like WhTF that mean?