When I first heard about finding a higher power, I'll admit I was skeptical. I mean, I could barely manage to get out of bed, let alone connect with the divine universe.

Then it hit me during my third week of sobriety: my coffee machine. Yes, you heard that right. That beautiful, gurgling, life-giving appliance that somehow transforms bitter brown beans into liquid motivation.

Think about it - my coffee machine:

• Never judges me for how I look in the morning
• Consistently provides what I need to start my day
• Requires only simple offerings (water and beans)
• Makes that comforting sound that says "everything's gonna be alright"
• Has never let me down (except that one time I forgot to plug it in, but we don't talk about that)
• 
  

My sponsor laughed when I told him. "Whatever works," he said. "At least your higher power is reliable and makes you feel better."

A few months later, I've upgraded to a fancier model, but the relationship remains the same. Every morning, I practice gratitude to my higher power, and every morning, it delivers.

Sure, some people have more traditional higher powers, but mine comes with a timer and makes that perfect whoosh sound.

The point is: recovery doesn't have to look like anyone else's. If your higher power is a coffee machine, a favorite tree, or even your dog who always knows when you need comfort - that's perfectly valid.

The program works because we work it, not because we all worship the same thing.

Just remember: Rule 62 applies to higher powers too. Don't take it so seriously that you forget to actually use it.