My sponsors honest sharing with me was what got me into recovery. I always thought that I was different, whereas in actual fact I very much alike to other alcoholics. Nothing that I could share with my sponsor was ever unique. I could not believe how similar we were when I did my 5th step with my sponsor. Reluctant as I was to embark on this phase of my recovery, his sharing with me changed all that and I found myself eager to share. I got rid of all my baggage that night, because another human being made it possible. I knew the theory of the steps, but I could not do it without outside help, if I was to embark on a new life. The ESH from open meetings is too general to effect the necessary change required for full recovery from alcoholism.
Yeah-I find I need the whole mix to support my recovery: open meetings, closed, speaker, step, Big Book study etc, sponsored & sponsoring, appropriate outside medical/mental help when needed, reading the literature, giving it back, carrying the message. Half measures avail us nothing. Ever! Glad to be sober today.
