Step 2 of AA: Finding Hope in Something Greater
Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.
Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress, rather than spiritual perfection.
At this point in our recovery, three pertinent ideas.
1. That we are an alcoholic, and could not manage our lives.
2. That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.
3. That God could, and would if He was sought.
What's most important in the second step is the willingness to begin the process of believing that a power greater than us could help. Came to believe is also very important, it is something we work on everyday.
That Very First Meeting
I remember the early days of recovery as if they were yesterday—my very first meeting in a church basement that smelled of coffee and dust. It was cold, and I instinctively pulled my coat tighter around my shoulders, seeking comfort. I was nervous and scared. People bustled about, setting up chairs and greeting newcomers like myself.
"Good morning," a young girl said warmly. "Hope your day is full of love and laughter."
I paused, taking her in. Even now, all these years later, I can still see her. Her smile radiated across her face, but I knew I hadn’t returned it. I remember thinking, Clearly, she wasn’t in early recovery—because if she were, this wouldn’t be her response to me or the day.
Or so I thought.
Reflecting on that moment, I can still feel the warmth of conversation and laughter—the same warmth that greets me at meetings today. People smiled, supported one another, and filled the room with an undeniable sense of love. But that first time, stepping in alone, I was terrified of what lay ahead. My thoughts swirled:
What will life be like without alcohol? I remember thinking, I am no longer here as a family member of an alcoholic—I am here as an alcoholic. And then, instantly, the shame hit me.
How will I live with the shame of being an alcoholic?
Admitting that my life had become unmanageable was a monumental first step. Despite my fear, I was determined to move forward, embracing the philosophy of taking it "One Day at a Time." This approach provided a manageable path toward recovery, allowing me to focus on the present without being overwhelmed by the future.
Simple Directions, Lifelong Impact
What helped me most were the simple directions given by those who would soon become my friends. They handed me a copy of Alcoholics Anonymous and encouraged me to work through the steps. They told me to find a sponsor—someone with more time and experience, who could share their courage, strength, and hope while guiding me through the Big Book. They explained that sponsorship was the key to success.
I also received a list of phone numbers from people at the meeting. That small gesture—being offered connection without having to ask—meant the world to me. I've never forgotten the feeling of being included that day in that musty old church.
There are countless stories about first AA meetings. Most of us carry the same burdens: shame and guilt over the damage we've caused, along with the overwhelming weight of the monumental task ahead. Many of us walk into those rooms feeling lost, skeptical, and unsure if anything will help—or if we even want help.
But what matters is that we’ve entered. And that's what we hold onto.
The Spark of Hope
I don’t remember much of what was said in that first meeting, but I do remember hearing the same young woman who had greeted me share her story—her courage, strength, and hope. It turned out she was in early recovery, just like me. And she truly meant every bit of that smile.
Today, I know exactly what I couldn’t see then: it was hope. Hope for a life of balance, acceptance, honesty, and love.
“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.”
This is where things got difficult.
For years, I relied only on myself, convinced that people would always disappoint me. My need to control every second of every day and night became my way of coping with the unmanageability of my life. I was completely disconnected from my intuition and true self—and I carried that belief into my first meeting.
Trusting in something greater than myself seemed impossible. As much as I wanted to be sober and knew I wasn’t well, the idea of placing my trust in a higher power felt just as unfathomable. I had no role models to look up to and no religious practice that offered support. And what little I knew of religion—and those who claimed to be faithful—only reinforced my skepticism.
Or so I thought.
From Skepticism to Belief
I had never believed in God. I had tried, but the pain of childhood trauma made me doubt His existence. Occasionally, I found comfort in church and enjoyed the fellowship, but when I was told that belief in something greater was necessary for this journey, I questioned whether I was on the right path.
I now understand how hard it is to believe in something when you don’t even believe in yourself. And honestly, I didn’t feel anything. I was numb—to the world, to myself, and certainly to anything beyond this world.
An old-timer suggested that instead of forcing belief in God, I start by believing in the fellowship and the love others offered—the same love I had felt when I first entered those rooms. I began to notice the light in the old-timer's eyes and many others. That small shift marked the beginning of my willingness to explore self-discovery and forge a personal connection to Source and Spirit.
The Journey to Self-Acceptance
“Came to believe that a Power greater than myself could restore me to sanity.”
I wish I could say that finding spirituality came easily or early in the program—but it didn’t. I struggled with it for many years. That's why the word came matters so much: it’s a process.
What mattered most was that I began to see God, Spirit, the universe—whatever one chooses to believe in—reflected in the fellowship of AA. I could see it in the love of others, in the light radiating from the old-timers, and, as a result, the veil slowly lifted from my eyes.
Looking back, I now see that Spirit was always interwoven into my life—comforting, supporting, and loving me along the way. He’s there for everyone.
The block to my true self—and consequently, to my Source—was revealed in its entirety. For the first time, I felt hope. Hope that I, too, was deserving of that same love and radiating light.