denny57

Educating yourself is working on yourself.

hope2bhappy

You know, denny, sometimes you really do split hairs. How about answering my post above, as I remember you have posted that you are agnostic.

denny57

My higher power is personal to me, as I believe it is for everyone. I have no problem with being agnostic and following the 12 steps, because I believe in myself and am comfortable with my beliefs. I have friends who are bothered by what they see as the religious overtones and I understand that. I have found meetings that work for me. Most importantly, I really embrace the concept of "take what you like and leave the rest." I was brought up in an organized religion. It took me a while to realize that the 12 steps were not the 12 commandments. Many people in my meetings believe that "God" is the only higher power that will work. I respect that for them. Some respect my concept of a higher power, some don't. That's okay with me, because what matters is what I believe.

Anyone who pays attention to the content of my posts knows I do not believe the 12 steps are for everyone. I will, however, talk about my experience with them, especially how important the fellowship has been and will continue to be, for me.

Hope that answers the question.

hope2bhappy

Absolutely. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this.

criss-cross

I remember reading somewhere that someone's higher power was a certain tree.
When they explained it - it kinda made sense.
That tree has been out there in all sorts of weather.
It has been thru rain, snow, hail, 100 degree temperatures and 40 below temperatures.
It has been here for years.
And yet it still keeps going.
It doesn't wither and die because of one bad day... it goes on to the next.

I do pray to God in dealing with my day - but I thought I'd offer that suggestion.
Your higher power doesn't have to be religious - and I don't think that Al-Anon or AA say it has to be.

Sunflower

It was my understanding that anything can be your HP--God-You-whatever you personally choose--for some AA is there HP...I remember that was a big thing at alanon not really sharing religion or politics--everyone is different.

DesertEyes

The way the Higher Power thing works for me is that I tried for _years_ to fix the addiction. I tried everything I could think of and nothing worked. In fact, it only got worse. When I stopped trying to do it all myself and turned to someone who knows _more_ about addiction than I do then I was turning to a "power" greater than _me_.

What each person uses as a "higer power" does not matter. What does matter is that I recognize that it is _not_ me. Some people use their religious concept of God. Some people use the principles of al-anon. Some people use the rational logic of science. As long as it is not _me_ trying to fix what is beyond my ability to fix then I am using a higher power.

Mike