STEP THREE
MADE A DECISION TO TURN OUR WILL AND OUR LIVES OVER TO THE CARE OF THIS POWER OF OUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.
Step Three asks us to complete the surrender started in Step #1 and decide to turn over our will to the care of a Higher Power.
1. This opens the door to the Recovery Program.
2. We will receive the full benefit of the program by more effectively working the remaining nine steps in order- avoiding a jump to Step #12.
Discuss:
A. Have we already begun this surrender by coming to GA?
B. What does our admission to being a compulsive gambler represent?
Surrender is difficult because:
1. Our independence is challenged.
2. We don’t know how to surrender.
Discuss:
A. How we tried to prove to ourselves and others that we could gamble, excuses we made for losing, and time spent practicing gambling.
B. Pick one that best represents your independence.
Discuss:
Blaming Minimizing Being Smug or Superior Defiance
Judging Moralizing Attacking Aggression Analyzing
Explaining Debating Arguing Withdrawing
Justifying Material success No trust Dislike criticism
I know myself Other_________
C. Willingness is the key to surrender/trusting more? Telephoning other members? More meetings? Getting involved in GA?
Step Three promises true independence through our decision to know God’s will for us.
Discuss:
A. How have we changed or attempted to change our behavior since GA?
1. Have we stopped gambling?
2. Are we liking and caring more about ourselves?
3. Are we liking and caring more about others?
4. Do we have a desire to grow and mature?
5. Other?
B. Are our natural goals high enough or do we need to have "higher" goals to obtain happiness and independence?
C. What circumstances hold our interest on a continuing basis?
D. Boredom...