Though most 12-steppers will tell you that the fourth and ninth step are the most arduous, it’s my belief that the third step is the most challenging of all— Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him—because it asks scared and controlling alcoholics, sometimes with mere weeks of sobriety, to surrender their brains over to a magical power they typically don’t believe in. It’s a bold move and one rarely met without some resistance and confusion. That’s why I am a big fan of anything that can make taking this step, and continued practice of this step, a little more fun (or any fun at all).
Don’t Laugh—This Toy Can Be a Tool
Most of us are familiar with Mattel’s Magic 8 Ball (not to be confused with Mateo’s Magic 8 Ball of Bolivian flake)—the fortune-telling ball that answers all your questions about love, money and just about anything. Alas, around the rooms of 12-step, we are taught to live by a set of principles that go beyond “Signs point to yes,” “It is certain” and “Ask again later.” That is why the 12 Step Ball, by Lulu Ink, is a kinda-kitschy-kinda-useful gift for anyone who is new to 12-step or struggling with putting the third step into action.
The 12 Step Ball is the perfect companion to the decision to turn your will and life over since we often want concrete answers and Higher Powers don’t typically speak English (or at all)—but the 12 Step Ball does! The answer to easing the stress and angst of early sobriety and untreated alcoholism is now just a ball shake away (I feel like I have been waiting my entire life to write that). And no matter what you ask it, this ball of time-tested tips is sure to tell you what you need to hear, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
The Ball in Action
Let’s give it a try, shall we? I have been waiting to hear on a freelance job that will not only change my daily schedule but also invert the numbers in my bank account. I know there is nothing more I can do to influence the results or speed up the process, yet I still feel uncomfortable and anxious. So let me ask the 12 Step Ball for its wisdom.
Danielle: “Will I get that amazing job I have been hoping for?”
12 Step Ball: “You need a meeting.”
Damn, 12 Step Ball, you got me! That is exactly what my sponsor would have said and I didn’t even have to pick up the phone or get an additional writing assignment. This ball is all kinds of genius.
Image not the actual product
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