Liberation from addiction is not a passive; we must take action. The first step is about acknowledging our power, the second step is recognizing that there is true power in community and connection. The third step is about taking action, engaging in a healing community and in individual therapy.
This is the moment when understanding and agreement is no longer enough. We know what needs to change, we have begun to understand why we struggle, at least we are open to look deeper, and we are willing to recognize the patterns that have been keeping us stuck.\
We can even say, "I’m done with this addiction; I’m ready to do the work."
Now, what are we going to do about it?
That's the heart of Step 3.
We take possession of and use our power to commit to this path toward liberation, dedicating our lives, time, and resources to our liberation.
With this step, we take possession of our power.
We do not borrow it, wait for someone else to give it to us, wait for permission, or hope that someday we will feel ready. We take possession of it.
Because addiction can convince us that we have no choices, that we are powerless, that our lives are controlled by cravings, circumstances, other people, our past, or our mistakes. It convinces us we need to sit in our misery, alone, wallowing in self defeat and helplessness.
If we believe that long enough, we stop acting like creators of our lives and start acting like observers of them.
Step 3 challenges that belief. It says, you have power and now it is time to use it.
Awareness without action is useless; power without action does not create change.
We can say we are committed to healing, that we want to create a thriving, joyful, and connected life, or that we want healthier relationships, greater self-understanding, and freedom from addiction; but if our life continues moving in the same direction, and we do nothing but talk about it, read about it, watch videos about it, and keep thinking about it, our words have not yet become a commitment.
Without action, our words are meaningless.
Commitment is not something we simply feel; and motivation does not suddenly arrive. Commitment is something we practice; and motivation starts with movement.
We do not need to make bold, big moves to create a connected life. We can find, reach out to, and attend a healing community-any community that works. We can contact a therapist or a few, schedule some consultations, make an appointment, and go to therapy.
Setting aside time for self-reflection, we become more curious about ourselves instead of automatically judging, criticising, or condemning ourselves.
Consider what it might look like to explore the parts of your life you have avoided. Practice compassion when you run into a roadblock, instead of using your struggle as evidence that you are failing. These actions are not dramatic, and no one will necessarily notice at first, but that is how meaningful and connected lives are created.
We do not build a meaningful life through one enormous decision; it is through hundreds of small decisions that begin pointing us in a new direction.
Think about a trail through a forest. We do not create the entire path before taking the first step. We walk, and with each step, the path becomes clearer.
Change course. Make a decision. Move in that direction.
Start creating the path toward a new life.
We move forward mindfully aware of and willing to accept our struggles as they are, because courageous action is not pretending that fear does not exist or waiting until we are confident or demanding perfection from ourselves. Courageous action is saying: "This is hard, I’m scared, I’m terrified, I’m struggling,” and still be willing to take the next step.
We will make mistakes, stumble, fall, and experience pain, and still return to the path. We are not going to become a completely different person before we begin creating a life. We create that life through what we choose today.
There is no need to focus on the finish line, because there is no finish line. Liberation starts when we enter into and commit to the path to liberation. The work of liberation is liberation.
So, consider asking, "What is one action I can take today that moves me toward the life I want to create?"
Do you need to send a text or an email or make a phone call? Do you need to show up to a healing community meeting, schedule the therapy appointment. Pay attention to the choices you are making, because every intentional action is a move toward the person you are becoming.
Every new connection you make is a move toward creating a connected life. Over time, those choices become a joyful and meaningful life, and this path continues throughout the rest of our beautiful lives.
We only need enough courage to take the next step, because liberation begins when awareness becomes action. Hope triumphs when we move in the direction of purpose.
And the life we create is shaped by what we decide to do today.
