I can only tell you how I approach my program; there is no one right way to work the Steps- So

For ME:

If the steps are a school the Serenity Prayer is kindergarten. I found it useful to start with the serenity prayer in order to clear my mind and to receive wisdom.


Learning involves being open to new ideas, we learn easily when we are children simply because everything is new, as we get older we become set in our ways to some degree; in order to learn we must embrace 2 simple ideas.
Keep an open mind
Some things must be unlearned or relearned in order for my situation to improve.

Step one involves 2 things: Powerlessness and Unmanageable. Both involve Acceptance. The concept of acceptance implies we don't like it and we don't want too No one has to struggle to accept the things they like. I study the concept of acceptance and detachment

Powerlessness must be accepted, no other way, no short-cuts-

How do we learn? Repetition & Experience. All knowledge comes from experience either yours or that of another-(camp there a minute and digest that). The way to commit knowledge to memory (& use it to our benefit) is by either Repetition or Pain. It should be obvious why the 1st is preferable.

This is why we embrace Slogans, Acronyms and brief Affirmations and Daily Readings. Since our lives have become unmanageable our minds are cluttered and we need simplicity. We need things we can remember easily and repeat to ourselves often til we get it engrained in us. Make a List and Memorize them. From the 3 A's to QTIP

We listen to our own voice. In Al anon we learn to speak to our problems rather than about them. Speaking to = Action thus solution oriented, Speaking about=just keeps them in the forefront of our brain and keeps us in the problem. We do not deny the problem, but we must focus on being solution oriented rather than problem oriented. We use the method of SELF-Talk to maintain this focus and to effect change. We also use repetition to create habits. Particularly when living in active addiction we need routine in our lives more than ever. It gives us a sense of order and allows us (when needed) to be able to operate effectively on auto-pilot and not crash).


I ask myself probing questions and answer them with each step, and use the repetition of slogans or acronyms along with daily readings. I made myself a "serenity notebook" Mine is laid out as follows:

Preface The Serenity Prayer and JFT & Detachment Pamphlets, Daily checklist.
Section 1- Steps, Traditions, Concepts & Warranties
Section 2-Slogans, Acronyms, Catch Phrases (like the 3 C's)
Section 3- LISTS; Gratitude, Victory & Serenity Lists (Best written on happy days for use on self-pity days etc.) Make this list if possible during a happy period, but if not make it anyway. Also include a Canned Response list. (this will be valuable in dealing with The A, Family members and in learning to say No & in setting boundaries.) We shall add more lists to this section as we go. Nonners love lists.
Section 4-Goals & Work in progress. Page 1 is a list followed by One Goal per sheet with a short plan of action and in order of First things First.
Section 5 (Mine has turned into a separate Binder) Affirmations, quips & quotes
Section 6 (Mine has turned into a separate Book) Journal-I am not a daily journal person, chose what method works for you-daily, weekly, PRN, but at least a Monthly entry is desired for at least the 1st yr of the program.
Section 7 Serenity Pictures (For me this is Nature mostly-some people include family, or a pet, but sometimes for me it is focusing on family that threatens my serenity so I do not include photographs) whatever it is needs to have a calming effect on you as soon as you look at it.


I set aside a dedicated small area as my "serenity closet". I have my morning coffee here as I pray the Serenity Prayer, Read at least one of the Daily Readers and meditate on a couple of affirmations or slogans. I have a cd player with uplifting music and use aroma therapy as I go about this process. I then spend about 10 minutes working on whatever step I am on. I use the index in the readers to find helpful shares, or ask myself probing questions, check my motives, journal ideas about whatever subject (acceptance, powerlessness, willingness, change) I am struggling with. I try to gather my thoughts, identify problem areas and be prepared to speak to my sponsor or another member regarding these issues. I post question in forums such as these to gather others ESH on how they may have dealt with these issues. I go to meetings as many as I can including open AA meetings and I gather more ESH.

This is how I work my program and study and practice the Steps-It's a start on a lifelong and life changing experience. TFLMS

 Mostly we start with baby steps...