A note on language. At Renascent, we help people recover from substance use addiction and integrate 12-Step facilitation into our programming. We recognize that the substances our clients are recovering from and the 12-Step groups they connect with may vary. Throughout our website you may see general terms relating to the 12 Steps, as we are inclusive of all recovery programs, including AA, CA, and OA.
“Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”
Taking action with Step 3 AA
It’s ok to feel as though Step 3 feels intimidating at first especially with the idea of turning over control. But Step 3 is not about passive belief—it’s about action. And in recovery, action matters far more than feelings.
What “turning over” means in Step 3
The phrase “turning it over” can be confusing. It doesn’t mean sitting back and waiting for things to get better. Instead, it means making a conscious choice to stop forcing outcomes. It means taking steps toward sobriety even when fear and doubt are present in your mind. Having these feelings during your recovery journey are normal and valid to feel. However, making the conscious choice to regain control of your life does not mean it has to be complicated.
Here’s what this might look like in daily life:
- Calling a sponsor even when you feel like isolating.
- Going to a meeting even when you don’t want to.
- Making amends even when pride tells you not to.
How actions make impact
Recovery is built on small, consistent actions. The truth is, feelings change all the time. You might wake up feeling strong one day and overwhelmed the next. The key is to stay committed to the actions that support you during your recovery journey. This is how we create meaning with Step 3. We don’t wait for the perfect mindset before making a decision. We make the decision, take action, and let the mindset develop through experience.
For Evan, he struggled with allowing himself to turn towards someone other than himself. He said, “I can’t understand why bad things happen in this world, and I’ve had to accept that maybe I’ll never know.” Going through the 12 Steps is meant to provide guidance for you as you pursue your recovery journey, there may not always be answers right away but it is important to trust, let go, and accept support from others. Read more about Evan’s story.
Putting action over feelings
We know that taking action can feel daunting, here are some ways to make it feel less overwhelming.
- Write down your fears: what is preventing you from taking part in Step 3?
- Take small actions: Whether it’s asking for help, going to a meeting, or letting go of resentment, small actions lead to big change.
- Find support with someone who has been through Step 3: It can be helpful to talk to someone who has been where you are. This can bring comfort during an overwhelming time.
Making room for trust
Step 3 isn’t always about having all the answers or feeling spiritually enlightened. It’s about making a choice and to trust the recovery process. Recovery isn’t about never feeling doubt or fear. It’s about choosing to move forward despite those feelings. And that’s where real change happens.
At Renascent, all of our counselors have been where you are. With us at Renascent, you can start your recovery journey. Learn more about our programs or contact us to get started.
