Only Two Sins

 According to the anonymous author quoted from page 542 of the Big Book, the only two sins are impeding the growth of another, and impeding the growth of oneself. I think the story must be in an earlier version, because my copy had the story “A Late Start”, which spoke to me. Both the author and I got started on our alcoholic drinking later in life. There was so much relatable experience, I was glad to have that story highlighted, even indirectly.

But to the topic: impeding the growth of others and ourselves. Working on personal growth is paramount to recovery, and sharing that growth, including both struggles and victories, is the double benefit of service to the understanding of another while gaining personal insights in the process. Win/win!

There is certainly a part of me that wants to hide, to keep to myself, but that serves no one, least of all myself. Growth is change; change is facing fears and having an openness to learn. Learning is active and open to challenges. Being helped through my own challenges has been the template for helping others. Sponsorship is Love in action.

It’s a beautiful thing that this openness of helping others grow in their human journeys helps me in my own. That it is a central tenet of 12-step work is what has kept this precious gift of sobriety moving forward through the decades.

I’m happy to be a part of that progress.

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