"We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable." - Step one of Alcoholics Anonymous
Chances are, you’re not an alcoholic. However, to be vulnerable to pride is something we all are.
And with pride often comes denial, because as humans, we love to deny our problems and suffering.
Studies tell us that our minds naturally resist what brings us discomfort, and thinking about our problems is undoubtedly uncomfortable, which is why step one of Alcoholics Anonymous is a confession of powerlessness. Yes, in the context of the original writing it pertains to alcohol, but the underlying principle is more so about confessing to yourself that you are laying down your pride- because without humility and honesty, we live in denial and hide from the truth of our painful reality.
So step one of recovery is not about admitting that you're powerless to a substance or a disfunction, it's about admitting TO YOURSELF that you need help, and that your best strategies and aspirations have not freed you and provided you with the liberty you sought out, despite your best efforts.
So, alcoholic or not, we have to admit...
We don't have all the answers.
And that is ok.
(This is why we have each other.)