“… “Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?” As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way.” – The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 47
Within the scope of addiction and alcoholism, it is understood that we, as a power unto ourselves, are incapable of managing and controlling our using and drinking. This has been shown to us time and time again. We must be willing to allow another Guiding Force the chance to direct us, to help us move past this damaging way of living. We must tap into a Power greater than ourselves if we are to be restored to sanity.
That is an essential component of getting and maintaining sobriety; the willingness to be willing. Willing doesn’t mean fully embracing a concept which may be beyond our grasp at the moment. Willing, by definition, means inclined toward. It doesn’t affirm anything other than being ready to consider another path, which is the natural step after truly understanding we cannot do this solely by and on our own power.
Can this willingness to put our faith in something other than ourselves give us half a chance in the battle against substances? According to many who have come before us, this is another key in the unlocking of the door to Recovery. This “willingness” opens us up to the progression of moving toward living a life of worth. It gives us an opportunity to become of maximum service in the world, to whomever we encounter, which is the ultimate goal.