Giving it Away

 The times when I’ve felt most joyfully at peace are when I’m being of service to others. Funny how that works! There’s no room in my rumination for self-anything when I’m thinking about someone else and their needs in a healthy way.

I’ve experienced the unhealthy way of trying to help others, and it turns out to be when I’m still thinking of my own comfort first. If I can’t be happy or fulfilled unless you change something, I’m on the wrong track. When that’s the case, I’m either being manipulative or codependent, which is not a gift to either of us.

I didn’t expect the profound shift in my spiritual connection when I came into the rooms of A.A. - like so many others, my only thought was that I needed help with my inability to stop at one drink. I became willing to stay stopped as my spiritual connection became more obvious to me. It’s an odd and wonderful thing to discover that the need to drink has become secondary to my desire to live my life as I feel directed by a Power greater than myself.

I have found that I can be of service to others in so many ways which ultimately feed my soul, both in and out of the rooms. One of the most basic is to attend meetings, and honestly share my journey, both struggles and victories. Another is to write my views and share them. Another is to pick up the phone. Welcome a newcomer. Offer atta-girl/boys when someone returns after a relapse. Be open to help when I’m able, and sit on the sidelines when necessary. 

The giving-away is the replenishing of the gift.