My thought for today is Help Others.When I think about that, I think of sponsorship, of carrying the message of hope to other alcoholics. I do that mostly by being present, by sharing my own experience. Most people don’t need fixing. They need someone who listens without rushing to solve. Our presence is often the medicine. Later this week, I am speaking at an out-of-town group. I have told my story hundreds of times over the past three decades, so over time it has become polished and I have to always be aware that the polished version of my story doesn't help the newcomer as much as honest candor.
Helping others isn't always happen through sponsorship. I also take some of the skills I have learned and use them to help out persons in need. I knit blankets and scarves for people in transition from one crisis or another. From addiction or homelessness or abuse or mental illness. It isn't so much the physical gift as it is the act of giving. Letting people know that someone out there gives a damn goes a long way toward fostering well-being.
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