How I Completed the 2nd Step of the 12-Step Program

On this page we give you an idea what to expect and a step-by-step guide to step 2. First, I want to share my experience of working through the 2nd step of the 12-step program: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.” This step was a turning point for me, but it wasn’t easy. I want to walk you through how I approached it, the struggles I faced, and how I eventually made peace with it.

Facing My Doubts and Fears

When I first saw this step, I was resistant. The word “Power” threw me off. I wasn’t sure if I could believe in anything greater than myself, let alone trust it to help me. My mind was filled with negative thoughts: “What if I fail? What if this doesn’t work? I’ve already messed up my life, how can something else fix it?” These thoughts made me feel angry, hopeless, and even embarrassed. I questioned if I belonged here at all. (See Limiting Beliefs)

But at the same time, there was a small, positive voice inside me. It whispered, “You’ve tried doing this on your own, and it hasn’t worked. Maybe this step could be different.” That tiny glimmer of hope was enough to keep me going, even when my doubts felt overwhelming. I told myself, “It’s okay to not have all the answers right now. Just take it one day at a time.”

Exploring What a 'Power Greater Than Myself' Meant

I realized I didn’t have to define this “Power” in any specific way right away. For me, it wasn’t necessarily about religion or a traditional idea of God. I started to look at it as anything bigger than me—something that could guide me when I felt lost. At first, this was the support of the group. Sitting in meetings and hearing others share their struggles and victories reminded me that I wasn’t alone. That collective strength helped me believe in the possibility of change.
(see A.A. meetings and N.A. meetings)

Eventually, I began to see this Power in other parts of my life too—in nature, in acts of kindness, and in my own growing ability to make better decisions. I didn’t need to understand it perfectly to trust that it was there, and that realization brought me some relief.

Taking Action: Practicing Willingness

Believing in something greater didn’t happen overnight. I had to take small, intentional steps to open my mind. One of the first things I did was write down my fears and doubts about this step, as well as the things I hoped to gain from it. This helped me organize my thoughts and see that my fear was rooted in the unknown. Once I identified that, I told myself, “You don’t have to have all the answers today. Just be willing to believe that change is possible.”

I also leaned heavily on the people in my group. I asked questions, listened to their stories, and let their experiences guide me. Hearing how others found their “Higher Power” gave me ideas and encouragement. I also prayed or meditated, even though I felt awkward at first. My prayers were simple: “Help me believe. Help me trust.” Over time, these small actions helped me let go of some of my resistance and embrace the idea that I didn’t have to do this alone.

The Emotional Journey

The process of completing this step brought up a lot of emotions. At times, I felt frustrated and skeptical, especially when my old habits of control and self-reliance kicked in. I used to believe that I had to handle everything on my own and admitting that I needed help felt like weakness. But as I worked through this step, I started to feel more hopeful and even a little bit lighter. Letting go of my need to control everything wasn’t a sign of failure; it was an act of courage. I was afraid of the unknown, yet am extremely greatful I took the risk of stepping into the unknown.

There were also moments of gratitude. I began to see progress—not just in my sobriety, but in my relationships and overall mindset. These small wins reinforced my belief that turning to a Power greater than myself was the right choice, even if I didn’t fully understand it yet. What I found by facing my fears, taking that risk to step into the unknown were doors that led to self-compassion, and self-respect for taking that leap of faith in a time of doubt and fear. (See Emotional Regulation)

How I Regulated My Thoughts and Feelings

To manage the ups and downs of this step, I focused on staying present. When negative thoughts cropped up, I didn’t try to push them away. Instead, I acknowledged them and reminded myself that it was okay to feel uncertain. Journaling became a big part of my process. Writing helped me sort through my emotions and track my progress, which gave me a sense of clarity. (See Emotional Regulation)

I also practiced gratitude daily. Every night, I wrote down three things I was thankful for, big or small. This simple habit helped shift my focus from fear to hope. Finally, I leaned on my support system, reaching out to my sponsor or group members whenever I felt stuck. Their encouragement kept me grounded and reminded me that I wasn’t alone.
(see A.A. Meetings, N.A. Meetings)

Looking Back

Completing the 2nd step taught me that I didn’t have to have everything figured out to move forward. It was about progress, not perfection. By staying open-minded and willing, I found a sense of peace and hope that I hadn’t felt in years. This step wasn’t just about believing in a Higher Power—it was about believing in the possibility of change, and that belief became the foundation for the rest of my recovery journey.

To anyone struggling with this step, I want to say: it’s okay to take your time. It’s okay to have doubts. Just keep showing up, keep trying, and trust that you’re on the right path. One day, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come. You've made so much progress making it to step 2! Keep going, even if it goes unsaid just know that everyone around you sees your efforts and is proud of the progress and steps you take to better yourself! You're on the right path!