Step Two, Week One: November 8th, 2023

Reading assignment:

Yellow workbook pages 44 – 50 OR Big Red Book (BRB) pages 130 – 135

Recommended weekly reading:

“The Laundry List” or “The Problem,” “The Solution,” and “The Promises” on pages 587-591 of the Red Book or in the first several pages of the yellow workbook;

“The Twelve Steps” on pages 91-92 of the Red Book (also on pages 1-2 of the workbook); and

“The Twelve Traditions” on page 592 of the Red Book

Suggested supplemental reading: 

Tradition Eleven (the tradition for the month of November) in depth starting on page 549 of the BRB

The Step Two chapter of “A Codependent’s Guide To The Twelve Steps” by Melody Beattie (available used on Amazon.com for around $4.00 USD.)* See ACAWSO’s Literature Policy: “It has always been accepted that ACA should remain eclectic in choosing literature. That is, ACA meetings may draw from various sources without censorship.”

“Days of Healing, Days of Joy: Daily Meditations for Adult Children” by Earnie Larson and Carol Larson Hegarty (available used on Amazon.com for around $4.00 USD.)* See ACAWSO’s Literature Policy: “It has always been accepted that ACA should remain eclectic in choosing literature. That is, ACA meetings may draw from various sources without censorship.”

This week’s step study questions are found on pages 50 – 51 of the yellow workbook under the heading “Step Two Questions and Directions”:

1. What is my definition of insanity?
2. Am I recreating my family-of-origin dynamics of fear, excitement and pain in my current relationships? Am I setting up my own abandonment?
3. Am I reenacting my family system through my current relationships? While this feels “normal,” or familiar, is this a form of insanity?
4. Were my responses to the abuse in my family insanity or a defense mechanism?
5. Did I daydream or dissociate to escape my family abuse, neglect or indifference?
6. What did my parents say or do to undermine my reality when I complained about abuse or inappropriate behavior?

“Copyrighted by Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization.”

Deep Dive questions:

A. What is my concept of a Higher Power at this time?

B. What would it take to allow my concept of my Higher Power to change?

© Al-Anon’s Paths to Recovery Workbook

C. What does it feel like to ask something greater than yourself for help?

D. If you already believe in a God, write him/her a letter asking for help, guidance, and peace. If you don’t believe in a God, write a letter to the universe. Share your letter as you are willing.

© Diana Lea’s AA Powerful 12 Step Workbook

E. How have your ideas changed about what it means to be restored to sanity? Have your expectations about recovery changed? What do you expect from recovery now that is different from what you expected when you first began recovering?

© Melody Beattie’s Codependents Guide To The Twelve Steps