m1k3

I was thinking about early steps in recovery and for me the first step wasn't a sudden change in the way I handled things but a sudden change in the perception of how things could be handled.

It was a moment of clarity. I didn't have to react the way I had been reacting. For the first time I had the realization that I had a choice. That moment was liberating.

It doesn't mean my behavior changed very much at first, I still had a lot of work to do but now I had hope that I could change.

Your friend,

Raider

How long have you been sober Mike?

m1k3

I hardly ever drink, my recovery is in al-anon.

I enjoy a good craft beer or two every now and then but being a type 2 diabetic I have to watch the carbs.

Your friend,

lillamy

I think my first step was similar to this. Actually, the insight that pushed me over the edge and gave me the courage to go to my first Al-Anon meeting came from something I learned from a coworker -- that other people's feelings and reactions weren't my responsibility. That was totally new to me.