Member: AnilG
Location: MtVernon,IL
Date: 1/7/01
Time: 7:03:43 PM
I am an acoholic suffering from a lifetime disease.this acoholism disease can be arrested but can not be cured. If it not arrested it can lead to insanity and final death .i reached a stage that HP gave me another chance .I turned myself to god the only cure for insanity.AA I found was the best that can happen to me.As long as I turn myself to god and keep no resentments I . I will remain sober and keep mylife and my will over to GOD.
Member: William.A.
Location: High-Point.
Date: 1/7/01
Time: 7:50:04 PM
Hello,William,A.Alkie.
Step (03) was not very easy in the begining or should I say when,I first came to A/A maybe because. I had not really surrendered to my drinking,or I was not really ready to do the right thing. Today I can look at this step as saying thatI can truly say that I am turning my life over daily and asking that God doesnt return it to me on order as he will when I ask him to do so. The life of this Alkie has changed ten fold since I stop being the general manager of the universe.
Member: Ron E
Location: Madison, WI
Date: 1/7/01
Time: 11:32:57 PM
I use the third step as the conerstone of my program, with it being the beginning of recovery. If I can keep myself focused, for today, on what HP's will is - and let my ego get out of the way - then I am ready for a more fulfilling and useful sobriety.
Member: Mark
Location: Michigan
Date: 1/7/01
Time: 11:37:49 PM
Just an alcoholic, Step three was the pivotal step for me. It took alot of prayer, asking for willingness, to accept help from anyone. Self will, self confidence and self reliance had been the defining principle of everything in my life, until I came to AA.
Making a decision as I understand today,is for me to put my all "into action" (my life). Until then I was always stuck in the "into thought" trap,(my will only). Either God was, or he was not, what I chose to believe is what I had come to live and believe.
But it took more than merely choosing,I had to decide, and when I did it took alot of prayer, alot of meetings, the action to cultivate a part of myself which I had always neglected...The spiritual and social part of life. Before AA, I had choose to believe in alcohol, it was my relief, it was my courage, my life.
After I made a decision to let go and let God: manage,judge and run the show, I was always stuck in my discontent. I "thought" I was not getting my way. Now I realize I get everything I need and more and have to give it away to keep it. I had only thought I was open minded,I was not.
For me it took making a decision to seek a measure of willingness to: open my heart and mind, put this into action, and seek a power greater than myself. In spite of myself, I am cared for, I am reasonably content today... ODAT
Member: Bob S.
Location: Salt Lake
Date: 1/8/01
Time: 12:47:16 AM
I was so beaten into reasonableness and submisstion by the time I got to AA and treatment, in so much pain and dread of my life continuing....that I was relieved to find there was a solution. I heard: 'G~d is me, but I'm not G~d' in one of my first meetings. I sensed that person had such an intimate relationship with his G~d, I could not relate to it, but intuitively knew I wanted it. It scared me but relieved me. Being that openhearted, willing and in a state of surrender, was only something I could admire, but not fathom. I somehow sensed that I didn't need to know how to do it, just needed to keep coming.
Now, I'm still developing this relationship. Giving as much of me as I know how and presuming this process will continue to unfold as long as I'm sober and alive...while never achieving fully. I have faith now. I have works now..."affirmative action"...."in fact, the effectiveness of the whole A.A. program will rest upon how well and earnestly we have tried to come to "'a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of G~d as we understand Him"'.
I made a decision almost 18 years ago, which has turned out to be a good one for me, to turn my will and life over to the care of G~d. I have taken my life and will back and consistently suffered negative consequences, continuing to be beaten into reasonableness by the results of my willfullness. The grace of G~d is forgiving, and I am humbled to tears by this 'presence' in my life. G~d does not come and go, I do. I am richly blessed in spite of myself. I am Bob, and I am an alcoholic.
Member: ChuckM
Location: Alberta
Date: 1/8/01
Time: 1:22:52 AM
I'm Chuck, an alcoholic
Step 3 asks me to make a decision, decisions are based on facts.
My way: powerless over alcohol,thinking all screwed up, miserable.
God's way: Do the rest of the steps to be restored to sanity and live spiritually. Happy, joyous and free.
And the winner is: HIS WAY
Peace and Serenity
Member: Mike L.
Location: NW Iowa, USA
Date: 1/8/01
Time: 7:11:28 AM
Greetings, Like most alcoholics, I had run on "my own steam" for a long time. AA came into my life at a time when a lifetime of defenses were down...Crushed, actually.
I took this step in total defeat...Using self-examination, meditation, and prayer as my new foundation for living. At moments, my mind wanted to rebel against the idea of turning my life over to a higher power...But I had been and am convinced I couldn't (and shouldn't) try to live that way anymore.
When moments of rebellion came up, I could only wrap what remained of my mind around the words: "The care of God as we understood him." Not control, but care. Silly perhaps, but it got me past the intellectual rebellion of this step.
Now, I find it comforting to no longer be in charge. If I think I'm ready to pick up the rock again, I don't have to think very long to remember what my will did for me. AA has said that alkies have 3 final destinations in our active disease - Jails, institutions, and death. Having already experienced 2 of the 3, I have no desire to experience the 3rd through my own will.
Peace, Mike L.
Member: Chad H.
Location: Ohio
Date: 1/8/01
Time: 8:05:49 AM
I have been sober for almost two years, the first year and a half I should say I was dry not sober. I told myself everyday that I could stay sober by myself and that I needed no one to help me, not even God. The idea of turning my life over to anyone or God was a sign of weakness. Six months ago I started going to A.A. meetings and I recently completed my third step. Having faith in the Lord and A.A. has changed my life. I can now see that I wasn't alone the first year and half and that God was there for me and keeping me on the right track. I can't believe how good it feels to be truely sober. I would like to thank God and A.A. for all the help in seeing the truth about myself and giving me the tools needed stay sober.
Member: Bob H.
Location: South Bend,Indiana
Date: 1/8/01
Time: 8:32:27 AM
Hi Bob alcoholic, Through the grace of God and This program i Hav"t had to take a drink since January 1980.Step three as are all the steps verry verry important to me and for me .I tank God I made a decision to turn my life and my will over to him and I thank all of you for reminding me on a regular basises. Step three is the cornerstone in my life today with all my living problems also .,Im reminded who is incharge.Thank you God and Aa the 12 steps and the fellowship I've been able to live through good times and rough times .
Member: Monica T
Location: Queens NY
Date: 1/8/01
Time: 4:22:12 PM
Monica.T Recovering alcoholic for almost eight years. I must say that when I practice this step, my life is usually more manageable. unfortunately, it usually isn't until my life is in total chaos and my back is up against the wall that I make this decision (3rd step). Eight years later, I am learning to turn it over before the pain, before the chaos, before the insanity and boy does it feel better. Just knowing that I don't have to control things and that there is a GOD and I'm not it, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am grateful for the program and the fellowship. I am grateful for the widom to know the difference between the spirit and the disease. I am also grateful to know that although GOD's will doesn't always seem fair it is what it suppose to be.
Member: the MAN
Location:
Date: 1/8/01
Time: 6:43:17 PM
the way i see it,.....everybody owes ME.
NOW PAY UP
Member: colleen K
Location: IL.
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 12:31:18 AM
This step was the beginning of my action in recovery.Although it was hard to understand at first, I trusted my sponsor and asked for God's will for me. As I travel through my journey, I see more and more the daily need of this step.I can't do this on my own-I need help. This was the 2nd best decision I ever made.The 1st one ofcourse was joining AA!My day is so much better when I turn it over and when I don't I'm insane again, that fast. Thank You for AA!!!!!!
Member: Michael B.
Location: AZ
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 12:53:41 AM
Hi! My name is Michael, and I am a recovering alcoholic and addict, sober today only by the Grace of God and the Fellowship. Welcome newcomers! Thanks for all the sincere shares!
When I first made the Step 3 decision, I was quite naturally thinking about it strictly in terms of the AA program and the 12 Steps, 9 of which I hadn't yet attempted. As the years have passed and the scope of this decision has widened, I have made progress in "fits and starts," sometimes taking my will back, sometimes doing God's will, but always staying sober.
When I reflect on how I've responded to this Step, I feel that I really shouldn't be surprised with the challenge it has become, considering that I had no prior experience with what's asked of me in this Step.
Member: jack B
Location: Palo Alto, Pa
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 2:34:59 AM
Hi I am Jack, a real alcoholic.I keep our program as simple as possible.Step three for me is simply a commitment to God and the program of Alcholics Anonymous. Old saying we are all created in God's image.When I stopped creating God in my image, life got a whole lot better. Thanks for allowing me to share and God Bless.
Member: lyle
Location:
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 1:53:07 PM
i see dead people...................
Member: mike
Location:
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 8:43:16 PM
hello my name is micheal downey jr.i need some help before they lock me up with all those "BIG" boys again.i dont think i can do any more time.help
Member: mike
Location: california
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 8:43:38 PM
hello my name is micheal downey jr.i need some help before they lock me up with all those "BIG" boys again.i dont think i can do any more time.help
Member: Ed A
Location: Deming, Wa. USA
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 9:26:20 PM
Hey lu-lu........30 days sober!!!!!!!!!!!!! not a drop!!!! feel great
Member: lu-lu
Location: head angel
Date: 1/9/01
Time: 11:22:02 PM
right on ed, way to go,hang in there
lu-lu
Member: Matt K
Location: Wa
Date: 1/10/01
Time: 4:31:57 AM
Hey everyone still sober and another day happier thanks to the Lord....Thank you all for your comments!
Member: Dr.D
Location: Concord, NH
Date: 1/10/01
Time: 9:52:52 AM
The thing that always hits me at a step meeting is when TYPE A AA's express such difficulty letting go of needing to be in control of everything (like the results have proven it works so well-) and allow some insight from a higher power to help guide them. They are so hung up on getting that immediate tangible proof before they can unclench their buttocks. If a belief relies on hard proof it is called the scientific method, not FAITH. The proof is in the happy people you see at meetings with strong sobriety. My problem was the other way around. I figured that God had more important things to do than have to deal with a loser like me and I have little or no control over my life. Maybe it's easier to go from feeling entirely powerless to responsible than it is than feeling you have to run the whole show and then backing off. Either way they are extemes thatdon't coincide with sobriety.
By the way--(Lu-Lu) I was concerned that you kissed this site off or worse. Glad to know you're still with us. Pretty serene from Dr.D, huh?
Member: Sandy
Location: cool colorful Colorado
Date: 1/10/01
Time: 11:57:24 AM
Mike L. said what I was thinking, that it is my HP's CARE I am turning my will & life over to, not CONTROL. And as DR. D just pointed out, we come to this program with different things to turn over. I love that AA deflates the people Bill W. called "power drivers" and raises up the ones who have been doormats.
Like most people, I had qualities of both when I came in -- & still do when I wander off the road of happy destiny. But today I know there is proof that the 3rd step is always worth taking & HP is always worth trusting. That proof is is in the rooms, in the peoplewho are actively living & sharing this program.
I have also learned a little about living my way into right thinking, not the other way around. In my head is where all the trouble starts, so when I am getting too "thoughty" (and recognize it ;) I turn over my will (thoughts) and my life (actions), again, and ask my HP to show me the next right thing.
There is a tremendous sense of relief knowing that HP can be trusted! Thanks for letting me share & I'll keep coming back.
Member: peter m
Location: amsterdam
Date: 1/10/01
Time: 4:44:41 PM
the way i see it all of yall are drunks who have serious issues. im probably the only one living clean so get some help you freaks
Member: Corinne B.
Location: Camino, CA
Date: 1/10/01
Time: 11:49:00 PM
Hello! I love to come to this page on the site because I tend to post my experience with the Step or Tradition on topic prior to reading anyone else's posts; unlike the other 2 pages, where I try and get a feel for what's being talked about before I put in my 2 cents worth!
Step 3 was a scary prospect for me, the very first time I attempted this program, because I was afraid what would happen to "me" if I turned my will and life over to this unknown God that I had very little concept of at the time! I don't think I ever truly worked the rest of the steps from the perspective that it was God that would see me through all of it by sending me folks who would help me with whatever came down the pike. I worked a very fear-filled inventory and amends process and never did live in the maintenance steps. Thus, I pretty much remained scared of losing "me" the entire time I'd been sober - er dry - that long 6 years my first go'round.
Coming back in, after my 6 1/2 year binge, I realized I was tackling Step 3 from the wrong angle when I approached it one more time. It's probably because I didn't have a true handle on either of the other 2 steps that came before! I had this amazing thing happen to me while doing the reading suggested by my sponsor; I began to understand the true meaning of powerlessness, unmanageability and alcoholic insanity (concepts discussed in the first 2 steps, in the Dr's Opinion and first 4 chapters of the Big Book). I had not come to know the depth and weight of my condition when I'd been this way before!
All of a sudden the idea occurred to me that I was the one who'd been holding on to all the anxiety, depression and self-doubt I'd carried with me for so long. In that same instant, another thought occurred: I had to get well in order to help others get well, too. Right then, I knew I was "there" and ready to move on to my 4th step without any fear involved. I had taken the 3rd step because the decision had been made for me. God had planted these ideas in my head and heart, because if they could have come from me, wouldn't I had been struck "well" long before by simply wishing it so?
That moment in time still gives me goose flesh to think of, even today. I knew that the decision was sold and firm, that the next phase of my development was upon me, and all I needed to do was to meet with my sponsor and get on with the working of the inventory, with her guidance. That was the deal I'd struck with God, or rather that God had struck with me. I would be taken care of, so long as I did some more of the footworth. I was no longer an emotional basketcase from that moment forward. Fear had been replaced with Faith, and I knew that the decision was done, and that my will and my life were in His care at last!
Member: raidy m.
Location: a much better place
Date: 1/11/01
Time: 8:54:31 AM
Alcoholic, named raidy. God does for me, what I can not do for myself. Sobriety,serenity,saneness,acceptance,humility, Peace,choice,forgiveness,joys,tears,laughter, amends, hope,fellowship,family,spirituality, daily reprieve from my old self,chance,love, and a simple way to practice these; ODAT.
Member: Jack P
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Date: 1/11/01
Time: 2:46:17 PM
Member: Fred G
Location: Northwest PA
Date: 1/11/01
Time: 2:47:34 PM
Hi, I'm an alcoholic named Fred
Step three is a decision step, and while drinking I could make no decision other than to have another drink.
Having surrendered and re-finding my God, I found it easy to make that decision and go on from there. I knew that I had a problem running my life and that I needed help. AA has shown me the path to the life that I always wanted, with a God back in my life the spirituality that was missing has returned.
I have never regreted making that decision over 10 years ago, from that day to the present life has been good, and I have been good to life.
Thanks to AA and all the members, we can stay sober another day.
Member: Jack P
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Date: 1/11/01
Time: 2:56:08 PM
Hi I'm Jack and I'm an alcoholic! Step three was one of the hardest steps for me to work.My thought was how can I turn my will over to something I cannot see.I was told by my sponser that if I make the effort and try things would be easyer for me to understand.I tried and my sponser was right.I also did a lot of talking and a lot of listening at meetings.Today I realy see the importance of step three in my life.Chaos follows me when I don't ask for help from my higher power.SELF WILL RUN RIOT!thanks everybody for my sobriety
Member: Andres G.
Location: Colombia
Date: 1/11/01
Time: 4:08:41 PM
I'm Andres & I'm an adict (to alcohol too). Step three has been really dificoult for me to digest. When I was active I couldn't even decide to take another drink, I just took it... couldn't stop, didn't know when to start either. Now I have trouble accepting My God's will, specially when things don't go the way I want them too. If things go my way....A O.K. and I'm not only happy, but I think that my HP is THE BEST. When things go sour.....I'll kick and fight until I realize there's nothing to be done. I put in the effort and HE will provide the results...what ever they are. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Melissa
Location:
Date: 1/11/01
Time: 6:44:29 PM
WHat I like about the 3rd is all it says is that we make a decision - not take action on that decision, just made it. It implies to me the huge importance of having the mind able to just make that decicion, not act on it until the next step.
Member: Not A. (deceiver)
Location: In Babylon
Date: 1/11/01
Time: 7:20:48 PM
Greetings in the name of Truth and sobriety:
If you take a good look at this article down below, which has been historically and indeed scripturally proven, is this "Roman Catholic" god, "God as we understood Him."?
http://www.eskimo.com/~billz/Truth/Volumes/V2/Study_09.html
Member: Tim V
Location: Poconos
Date: 1/12/01
Time: 8:44:54 AM
Grateful to be sober and have a Higher Power other that alcohol. I get a real sense of peace from the third step.
Blessings.
Member: your higher
Location: power
Date: 1/12/01
Time: 1:30:41 PM
peter m,
you lie,lie,lie...liar,liar,pants on fire
Member: Kim D.
Location: Bridgewater
Date: 1/12/01
Time: 1:53:55 PM
Kim here... alcoholic.
Thanks for all your shares. I especially related to Monica T. and Andres G.
Step 3, for me, means to get out of my own (and other people's) way and have FAITH. Usually, however, I do not turn my will over to God until I am experiencing some sort of personal caos and have struggled with it until the emotional pain has become unbearable. Then, and only then, do I tend to Turn it Over, as my sponsor suggests.
The great thing about this is that now it only takes me about 3-5 days of emotional upheaval before I turn something over. In the past, I would manipulate, coerce, comdemn, plead, etc. until the problem was manageable or solved to my liking. Now, with the help of AA and a good sponsor, I don't have to go on indefinately with the turmoil life presents at times. I can make a decision to have FAITH, instead of trying to manipulate people, places and things, because of FEAR and ultimately live a little bit more serenely.
Member: HUYT
Location:
Date: 1/12/01
Time: 5:24:03 PM
FRUITY TOOTIE I SAY
Member: JERRY F.
Location: ILLINOIS
Date: 1/12/01
Time: 10:00:02 PM
HI MY NAME IS JERRY AND I AM AN ALCHOLIC. THE THIRD STEP FOR ME WAS EASY YET HARD. LET ME EXPLAINE THE EASY PART WAS KNOWING I COULD NOT IN CONTROL OF MY LIFE AND THAT SOME ONE HAD TO TAKE OVER. AS FOR GETTING THE WILLINGNESS TO LET MY HP DO THAT IT TOOK SEVERAL MONTHS OF LETTING GO AND TAKING BACK ALL THAT I GAVE HIM. TIME AND TIME AGAIN I'D TELL HP THAT ICAN'T HE CAN THEN WHEN THINGS WERE GOING BETTER I'D TAKE MY WILL BACK AND MESS EVERY THING UP. OVER AND OVER AGAIN. FINALY I CAME TO THE REVELATION THAT IF I JUST LET HP CONTINUE TO CONTROL MY LIFE IT WOULD ALL WORK OUT. AND IT HAS SO FAR. I HAVE BEEN SOBER FOR JUST DAYS SHY OF 6 YEARS. MY ANNIVERSARY IS JAN 24TH 1995. SO ALL THAT SAY IT CANT BE DONE.DON'T LISTEN TO THEM BECAUSE IT CAN KEEP COMING BACK
Member: possibility55
Location:
Date: 1/13/01
Time: 8:19:42 AM
I am an alcoholic and am working with step #3. Some days it works, other days it doesn't. At this moment God is my higher power, not alcohol. Thank God for this site!
Member: sam
Location:
Date: 1/13/01
Time: 11:47:25 PM
coffee pot dont work right