Before recovery, I was all about helping myself. At parties, I helped myself to your alcohol and party favors. At work, I helped myself to your leads and referrals and territory. In relationships, I took as much as I could, and I only thought about giving back if it would help to get me more. As my drinking progressed, I helped myself to larger quantities of alcohol until finally someone suggested I get help in A.A.
When I came into the program, everyone seemed so willing to help me. People gave me their phone numbers, they offered me rides, and invited me to fellowship. Someone offered to be my sponsor and take me through the Steps. It was great! But I soon learned that if I wanted to get well, I would have to help myself. It was suggested that I take commitments, go to 90 meetings in 90 days, and help others. At first I resisted helping someone else, after all, I was still new and needed help myself. But then I learned the great truth about this program.
As I began talking to newcomers after meetings, listening to them and sharing what little experience I had, I began feeling better. I found that whenever I was having a tough time, the way out was always to help someone else. As I began sponsoring others, I found that I got just as much out of it as they did. In fact, it felt so good to help others that I began looking for ways to help around the house, at work, or in any situation. These days, whenever Im feeling anxious about a situation or uncomfortable, I simply ask how I can help.
When I do, I see the wisdom in the saying, It is always better to give than to receive.
