This might seem controversial to many on here and its not my intention to offend anyone…im genuinely wanting to learn and understand the concept better but i struggle with the ‘higher power’ concept? Im not religious per say but i do believe there is something there, some kind of force bigger than us…but whenever i read about giving myself over to the higher power seems like im not taking full responsibility for myself like im letting something do it for me and that doesnt sit right? Am i seeing this wrong? Im almost 6 months so far but willing to explore new ideas its this part that i dont really understand, ive read around but i think i need someone to put this in very simple terms for me
For me, I understand a higher power as that ‘thing’ that allows me and guides me to be able to take full responsibility for my life/decisions & actions. The higher power is that part of me/the Universe that loves me and wants the best for me. It comes from within 
it is always there for me. It’s there for you too. You are worthy and loved, just gotta find that within and believe it to be so. And then, look around, you’ll see it to be so; you’ll feel it.
Hope this helps
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Thanks very much to both of you for taking the time to write all of this for me its very much appreciated…im still not fully understanding but im alot more informed now than i was and that means alot, im going to keep re read the info youve given me and allow it sink in…sometimes that takes a while but im very grateful 
Congratulations on 6 months 
Your higher power does not do it for you, it helps you to do it yourself.
Your HP doesn’t need to do the steps, has no character defects to be removed, has no anger and has no resentments
It’s up to you to do the work, faith without work is dead.
When you hand it over you’re asking for help, but it’s a 2 way street, you get the help you need, but, you’ve got to let your HP direct you to what is right for your recovery and right for society; most of us were very antisocial when we were drinking.
But don’t expect, emails, texts, letters or voices in your head, you’ll just know what the next right thing to do is, but, you’ll still have the choice to do your own thing and run on self will; and we all know where that got us!
As for what your HP is, the program leaves that entirely up to you.
Your HP can be any concept of a power greater than yourself.
We are powerless over alcohol, what we need is power to combat it and not take the 1st drink; that power comes from your HP.
Stay strong & stay sober 
&
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So there is something in this world that wants the best for me…that idea in itself makes me feel emotional and im not really sure why…i think from the get go of being sober ive had to find so much inner strength its unreal but its me that did that, and me only…im proud of that which i think is making me struggle that a higher power is part of that does that make sense at all? Like im still at a point where im fiercely protecting my sobriety that im scared that me believing in a higher power might make me want to then defy it…sorry im probably not articulating what i mean very well im just trying to be as honest as possible. With that said…ive read enough on here to know that many people on here who have really long term sobriety do believe in this concept so there has to be something in it which is why im trying to learn and, at times … .maybe i dont always want to have to be so strong every day
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Being proud of 6 months is not a bad thing and yes you got there by determination and struggle and I bet it was a hard fought battle, but, remember this is not about 6 months it’s about the rest of your life, fighting the same battle every day; this is all out war. You can’t do all by yourself forever, you’ll either drink again or go insane, there’s an AA saying “you’ll either be locked up, covered up or sobered up”.
You’re completely right in having to fight to protect your sobriety, just think if you had a body guard to take the weight off your shoulders, you’ll still have to fight, but, you won’t be alone in doing it, that body guard is your HP.
Your HP can’t make you do anything at all, you still have your freedom and free will, what you do is entirely up to you.
You can do what you’re HP suggests or ignore it.
I’ll say it again, running on self-will is a recipe for disaster not recovery.
&
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Thank you, this makes alot of sense, i could definately use some help…how do i find my higher power? How did you?
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Your HP is up to you, nobody can choose it for you. You believe that there’s something out there, be it, mother nature, the spirit of the universe, the creator, the overseer, the architect of the universe, the most high, or even a God.
God is just a word it can mean anything you want, group of drunks, good orderly direction, gift of desperation, grow or die etc.
I had issues with the HP concept, my Grandmother was a religion nazi, so a biblical god was out of the question. So my HP started out as my home group, and has gradually evolved into a Druidic concept of a oneness with the world and everything in it.
It’s hard to explain, but, think of it as the essence of every living thing as an entity.
Druids don’t worship, we simply give thanks for what is possible, what is provided, the turning of the seasons and all possible futures.
&
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I get that, ive been brought up to believe in a christian god, i do believe a force is there but definately not how ive been taught…i more think thats just other peoples interpretation and im fully respectful of that. If i delve deep i think i believe more in a higher power like this…our concience, that feeling you get for right and wrong and standing by it doing the right thing…compassion from myself and others, i talk alot about ‘silver linings’ when something bad happens eventually a positive unfolds itself to you feels like the work of a higher power showing you light, also those unexplainable things that feel like they were meant to happen…
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I think we might have a breakthrough here Jim!! Thank you SO much
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Think im starting to get it, i just had a few tears actually
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Well you got that spot on, there are no coincidences in AA just times when you’re HP chooses to be anonymous.
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No problem 
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Congratulations for you six months!. Keep going with your excellent work!.
Regarding High Power I am sorry for being classic. I believe in God, in my case Christian God.
Being alcoholic is something I have to live with, and the only way to overtake this is not to drink. I am not able to fight with this disease only based in my willpower. In my case I trust in God. It is a case of factual presence (inmanence) but also something beyond all (transcendence). At last point is the One that gives me strength.
I have not ever felt God, I have not ever seen Him. But He (or She) is my family, in my work mates, and of course in my AA group. Consider this fact makes me realised that I am not alone not only in fighting against alcoholism but also the whole life. That is the way I feel High Power, in my case Jesus.
Kind regards.
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Please dont ever apologise to me for being a classic christian…im not that girl…i accept fully and without question anyones beliefs
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And thank you for your post, now ive begun to start getting my head around it i feel like i can feel somehow that im not alone, ive just had a good cry it made me emotional…if i see my higher power as i described above i can see that actually its been here the whole time
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This is a flipping fantastic topic and so glad you brought it up. I could write a book with my thoughts on this, but right now I’ll just try to add to all of the other awesome responses you’ve gotten. . .
You mentioned that for these first six months you have been relying solely on your efforts and self-will, however, I’d argue that maybe you’ve experienced a HP working with you by what you are receiving from this wonderful community. My HP is revealed to me thru my interactions here and at my AA and TLC meetings. It’s my sober community.
I too was raised Christian and am in the process of unlearning all that I was taught about God and Jesus growing up - the retributive, judgmental, angry God is being replaced by a God that is compassionate, inclusive and engaged in our spiritual life and seeks to connect with us.
You might want to check out Richard Rohr and “Breathing Under Water”. His organization (cac.org) has an incredible book study for this that might help with the unlearning as it is somewhat challenging at times.
NATURE is a great higher power. It’s impossible for me to conceive that all living things aren’t connected by the universe and some sort of divine energy force. This may be something you can relate to as well.
Lastly, you appreciate Dr. Stutz, and he teaches his patients to come up with an HP to rely upon, and yes, that HP of your understanding lies within all of us, whether we choose to connect to it or not.
Wow, I really appreciate you starting this topic. I can only speak for myself, but my spiritual journey is one of growth and constant evolution. It makes complete sense that you are exploring more at 6 months. I didn’t find Richard Rohr until 18 months sober, and that was the perfect time for me to start exploring his teachings.
You “work” really diligently and hard at getting and staying sober. Your contribution to this forum is full of compassion and always helpful. I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.
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Thank you. I hope it helps, all everyone who can suffer in this fight against the booze are together. I think this membership could be a sign of High Power - God immanence.
Kind regards and best wishes!
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Wow you made me cry again…im very emotional today ha, thank you so much…i think these are tears of relief, happiness and a feeling that i dont have to always feel like ive got to be so damn strong all the time. An example why higher power now makes sense to me…my dog reggie ive had for 11 years now, im absolutely devoted to him…ive always said that he saved my life and its true, when i got him i felt like i had nothing…i was depressed, alone and newly single from someone i had been besotted by, i truly think if i hadnt got him i was so bad id have ended my own life but he gave me focus…someone to love and love me back and i got better…obviously i went about getting him myself but i believe something also sent him to me at the right time.
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Oh my gosh, seriously we may be spirit sober sisters! I got this angel during the pandemic. She was instrumental in helping me get sober and also helping me through chemo. Many people use their pets as their HP. I certainly know that my HP provided me with Boots. I practice mindfulness every day with her on our walks or just petting her.
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