January 09, 2025 |
Returning our sponsor's kindness |
| Page 9 |
| "Our earliest involvements with others often begin with our sponsor." |
| Basic Text, p. 57 |
| Our sponsor can be an abundant source of recovery information, wisdom, and loving words. They've done so much for us. From the late night telephone calls to the hours spent listening to our recovery writing, they've believed in us and invested their time to prove it. They've lovingly and firmly shown us how to be honest. Their boundless compassion in times of turmoil has given us the strength to go on. Their way of helping has prompted us to seek our answers within ourselves, and we've become mature, responsible, confident individuals as a result. Though our sponsor has given so generously and has never demanded repayment, there are things we can do to show our appreciation. We treat our sponsor with respect. They are not a trash can designed for us to dump our garbage in. They have their times of trial, just as we do, and sometimes need our support. They are human, have feelings, and appreciate our concern. Maybe they would like to receive a card in the mail or a phone call expressing our love. Whatever we do to return our sponsor's kindness will enhance our personal recovery, not to mention the joy we'll bring to our sponsor. |
| Just for Today: My sponsor has cared for me when I couldn't care for myself. Today, I will do something nice for my sponsor. |
| Copyright (c) 2007-2023, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved |
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Spiritual Principle a Day
January 09, 2025
Participation, Service, and the Seventh Tradition
Page 9
"As a member of an NA group, we take part in developing a conscience about how the group will meet its responsibilities and participate in the life of the larger Fellowship."
Guiding Principles, Tradition Seven, "For Members"
Who among us hasn't felt like a victim of our circumstances at some point? In active addiction, we may have made an art form of blaming outside forces for our problems. It's true that some situations beyond our control cause undue hardships or difficulties, but we have choices available to us now. Recovery teaches us to actively participate in a solution, beginning with taking personal responsibility for our actions and participating in the program of NA.
We also take responsibility for the Fellowship by participating in the discussions and decisions affecting our groups and service bodies. Each of us has to determine for ourselves--in consultation with our Higher Power and our sponsor--what level of participation feels right for us. "I noticed that when I participate less and have less information," a member recalled, "the more I think in terms of 'us' versus 'them.' When I step up my participation, I feel like it's all 'us.'" There's a reason we often talk about service as part of Tradition Seven, not just the money we give. When we give our time through active participation, we are practicing a form of self-support. According to one addict, "Recovery is not a spectator sport. We get out of it what we put into it."
The practice of participation we learn in NA tends to show up in other areas, too. In our families, in our work--the more we participate, the more we feel that we are part of, our voices matter, and our needs are considered. We are not just victims of circumstance anymore; we actively participate in solutions.
When I passively observe life, service, and recovery, I'm short-changing myself. Today I will show up and participate.
Copyright (c) 2007-2023, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved