The December 13 reading in ODAT tells about a someone who came to Al-Anon in despair, really worked the program, made friends, gained serenity, and achieved a better life. Then it asks the question: Does this person have an obligation to the group, the fellowship, and to newcomers who need help?
The answer given is No: there is no requirement to pay back the benefits received from Al-Anon. But the person owes an obligation to himself or herself -- to continue in growth by giving to others what he/she has received.
Today's Reminder: Sharing enriches my life. Even when I serve the group as an officer, or do the small chores at meetings, it is wholesome therapy. I have a need to comfort and guide the troubled newcomer, because it gives me new insight into my own still faulty attitudes.
What an amazing page! The counter-intuitive turns out to be true!
When I first came to Al-Anon, and then benefited so much from it, I was SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL that I decided to serve my first home group in whatever ways I could, to make sure it would be available to newcomers and so I could work out my gratitude by paying it forward. And that group eventually faded away, despite my best efforts -- a great lesson in powerlessness. I still continue in service, contribute to other meetings, and try to share recovery with others individually. And I hope I may have helped a few people in one way or another. But the truth is, the person I have helped most is myself.
Each service that I do enriches me, gives me more insight, keeps me busy, keeps me practicing what I have learned so my Al-Anon skills don't deteriorate. It's true, we don't require anyone in Al-Anon to do service, or to contribute to the 7th tradition -- everyone is welcome whether they do those things or not. So the miracle is, it keeps going even though we do not enforce it, and I get out of it much more than what I put into it.
Aloha said
Dec 13, 2019
Thank you for the share, ft
I'm lucky that I have a sponsor who insisted that if I wanted to work with her I must participate in service, as I'm one of those people who otherwise would avoid service - or at least rather "larger" service roles beyond helping set up the meeting because I felt self-conscious and like I wasn't "experienced" enough in the program or had not been in it long enough - fearing I'd mess something up or offend someone.
Due to her encouragement and the encouragement of others, I actually became a GR my first year in the program and eventually moved on to other service roles in district and area, as well as group roles. And I'm glad I have that experience - it's invaluable as it also becomes another safe place for me to learn to practice my tools. I've sat in a few assembly planning meetings, for example, where it was really important that we were putting principles before personalities. Very different from my household where it was always a clash of wills that turned into personal attacks.
I now gratefully give back to the program and feel odd not taking on some kind of a service role.
Lyne said
Dec 13, 2019
Thanks for your service FT. I remember when my first anniversary was rolling around, I volunteered to lead for the month. I was so grateful for program. I was still in a significant amount of pain, and serenity was a long way off, but I wanted to give back for all I was receiving. And I really dislike public speaking and being the center of attention. I chair meetings now on a regular basis. Our group is not large and not everyone wants to lead. I'm grateful for all folks who take a turn. It's a pleasure to walk into a meeting under any circumstances, Lyne
Iamhere said
Dec 13, 2019
Thank you Freetime for your service and the daily. Thanks to all for your ESH and shares. What I know is that service is never required nor is anyone obligated yet I am continuously amazed that when service is offered in my groups, we never go without. I do believe that in giving away what has been shared with me, I am creating more space in me for continuous learning/growing.
We often say in these parts that in recovery, you're either moving forward or going backwards. There's no real holding still. I know for me I enjoy being of service and rarely say No, unless I just simply can't! Happy Friday all - spent a great day (December...no less) on the golf course with 3 other lovely ladies! We had a great time even though the course wasn't working as we wanted it to....based on weather, no more for a while so we also shared quick Christmas hugs!
Find and keep your joy folks - however that works for you!
The December 13 reading in ODAT tells about a someone who came to Al-Anon in despair, really worked the program, made friends, gained serenity, and achieved a better life. Then it asks the question: Does this person have an obligation to the group, the fellowship, and to newcomers who need help?
The answer given is No: there is no requirement to pay back the benefits received from Al-Anon. But the person owes an obligation to himself or herself -- to continue in growth by giving to others what he/she has received.
Today's Reminder: Sharing enriches my life. Even when I serve the group as an officer, or do the small chores at meetings, it is wholesome therapy. I have a need to comfort and guide the troubled newcomer, because it gives me new insight into my own still faulty attitudes.
-----------------------------------------------------
What an amazing page! The counter-intuitive turns out to be true!
When I first came to Al-Anon, and then benefited so much from it, I was SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL that I decided to serve my first home group in whatever ways I could, to make sure it would be available to newcomers and so I could work out my gratitude by paying it forward. And that group eventually faded away, despite my best efforts -- a great lesson in powerlessness. I still continue in service, contribute to other meetings, and try to share recovery with others individually. And I hope I may have helped a few people in one way or another. But the truth is, the person I have helped most is myself.
Each service that I do enriches me, gives me more insight, keeps me busy, keeps me practicing what I have learned so my Al-Anon skills don't deteriorate. It's true, we don't require anyone in Al-Anon to do service, or to contribute to the 7th tradition -- everyone is welcome whether they do those things or not. So the miracle is, it keeps going even though we do not enforce it, and I get out of it much more than what I put into it.
I'm lucky that I have a sponsor who insisted that if I wanted to work with her I must participate in service, as I'm one of those people who otherwise would avoid service - or at least rather "larger" service roles beyond helping set up the meeting because I felt self-conscious and like I wasn't "experienced" enough in the program or had not been in it long enough - fearing I'd mess something up or offend someone.
Due to her encouragement and the encouragement of others, I actually became a GR my first year in the program and eventually moved on to other service roles in district and area, as well as group roles. And I'm glad I have that experience - it's invaluable as it also becomes another safe place for me to learn to practice my tools. I've sat in a few assembly planning meetings, for example, where it was really important that we were putting principles before personalities. Very different from my household where it was always a clash of wills that turned into personal attacks.
I now gratefully give back to the program and feel odd not taking on some kind of a service role.
We often say in these parts that in recovery, you're either moving forward or going backwards. There's no real holding still. I know for me I enjoy being of service and rarely say No, unless I just simply can't! Happy Friday all - spent a great day (December...no less) on the golf course with 3 other lovely ladies! We had a great time even though the course wasn't working as we wanted it to....based on weather, no more for a while so we also shared quick Christmas hugs!
Find and keep your joy folks - however that works for you!