“We are powerless over marijuana in all its forms. Until we admitted our powerlessness, denial kept us from realizing how unmanageable our lives had become.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 3

When I was new to MA I learned that I was powerless over marijuana and all mind-altering drugs including alcohol. I came to understand that once the substance entered my body, I wanted more of it. I could not control it. This had been my experience before coming to the program, so it was easy to comprehend. Over the years, I have realized that I am powerless over things outside of myself as well. This includes my partner’s actions, traffic, and what my co-worker chooses to do.

When I forget that I am powerless over these things, my life becomes unmanageable because I will become overly frustrated and attempt to exert my will to change things. This is when I need to talk with my sponsor or a fellow in the program to be reminded about what actions I can take that will be helpful rather than hurtful. One example of an action that I implement is to surrender to my Higher Power. When I remember that I am powerless over these things I relax, because there isn’t anything for me to do except turn it over to my Higher Power and that brings me a lot of serenity.

Final thought: Today, when I feel agitated by someone or something I will remember that I am powerless over it and then let it go.