October 22

”Try to forget yourself in the service of others.  For when we think too much of ourselves and our own interests, we easily become despondent. But when we work for others, our efforts return to bless us.” Sidney Powell

Most of my focus in my active addiction was on me. Doing things for others was usually just a means to an end, a way to get obligations or people out of my way so that I could do what I really wanted to be doing. Although I may have done a good job, I didn’t usually care much about anything I did or put my heart into the task. My recovery has also been very focused on myself, but at a deeper, more internal level of reflection and introspection as I pull away the layers of deception and falsehood that I used to cover up my emotions. Much of my work had to be done alone, for only I can work on changing my behaviours and attitudes. My really big steps though have come from those times where I have given freely of myself to others. I have taken the role of treasurer for one of my groups, and also helped to establish and lead a step-study group. Not only has this encouraged my own recovery, it has supported the recovery of others. I learn more through the sharing of others that I do by relating my own experiences of strength, hope and courage. It truly is in giving that we receive.

Affirmation I know I am no longer alone in the world, in giving back to the community I shall reap rewards I never would have imagined.