To take Step Three changes my relationship with my life. I’m no longer the owner but just the manager. Imagine a shop: the Owner cannot be physically present, so needs me to manage the shop for him. He gives me directions for how to manage the shop plus everything I need. Note that being given everything I need means everything I need to run the shop, not necessarily what I think I need for my own purposes. I have no needs. I’m running the shop not for me but for Him. The management of the shop is a full-time job during business hours, requiring all of my attention. This means that I must not be trying to run other businesses out of the premises. The motto is two-fold: single-mindedness and responsibility.
Key points:
- I recognize the Higher Power as Director, Principal, Father, or Employer (any or all will do)
- I recognize myself as actor, agent, child, or employee
- I never need to make a decision alone again after Step Three
- I go to the Higher Power for decisions
- (But check out answers with other good and sane people in AA)
- I don’t need to worry about my life
- The Higher Power does the worrying
- I take the action, as directed by the Higher Power
- Practically, this means
- Taking Steps Four through Nine to clear out the past and clear up my life
- Taking Steps Ten through Twelve to structure my day and fill it with good things
- Taking up my place in the middle of the AA bed
- Being useful, cheerful, and kind in all other areas.
Read from the last paragraph on page 62 to the bottom of page 63.
Consider whether you’re ready to take Step Three, namely:
- To adopt the position described at the bottom of page 62 and the top of page 63
- To take Steps 4–9 to clear out the past
- To take Steps 10–12 on a daily basis