SERVICE
March 18, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader
“We give service just by being present to support and encourage other members of the program as they make the transition from frightened adult children to whole human beings who are capable of acting with the spontaneity of a child and the wisdom of a mature adult.” BRB p. 354
“As adult children, we inherently have the gift of being sensitive and present for others. Yet many of us weren’t taught to cultivate this gift in a healthy manner. Because our inherent value wasn’t nurtured and was basically forced or punished into hiding, the gift of service was distorted into codependent behavior that caused us to look for love and acceptance through people-pleasing, caretaking, and approval-seeking.
Now, in ACA, we can direct this gift into healthy service. Being present, supportive, and encouraging of others in their ACA work contributes exponential momentum to our own recovery. We experience exhilaration when we feel the release of our fears and restrictions, and naturally feel and act on our inherent spontaneity and wisdom. In turn, this enthusiasm motivates other recovering adult children to share this momentum and exhilaration. As we pass it on, we all receive the benefits of our shared gift.
On this day I will attend an ACA meeting or have a one on-one interaction with a fellow traveler. I will be truly present, supporting and encouraging another adult child as they release the fears and restrictions of the false self, and feel the exhilaration of their True Self.”
My Experience:
So glad I walked into the room of recovery when I did. I have received the love and support that is talked about above right from the start. I received smiles, hugs and feeling like people were really listening to what I was saying. Quite frankly, it was unnerving. I had never felt like I had anyone give me a genuine hug without some ulterior motive. I never felt like anyone was really listening to me. So when I realized that is what I was getting, I could barely understand where I was and what was happening. How totally sad that is? Now I understand that it was a gift from my Higher Power and I have come to accept and expect that type of interaction both for me and from me. Thank you Higher Power, I know now that I will never be the same!!
I will never be the same
It never dawned on me when I walked into the room
The same for which I was, was destined for doom
As I walked into the space with my heart heavy sighing
I saw people cheerful and laughing and I saw some that were crying
This spot I entered was a wonder to me
Some place that I never thought I would be
But how could this exist without me ever knowing
A place that could truly help, my mind was blown
Smiles were freely given and even many a hug
Honestly, I was put aback, and my shoulders did shrug
Love from the entrance was given to me
But belief I deserved, dogged and eluded thee
They said that they would love and accept no matter what
They just wanted my acceptance as they already accepted me such
This initiated tears like I have never before
But like I would have in the past, I did not run for the door
I stayed to hear what more they had to say
And then like they asked, I came back another day
The folks in this room have seen me weep more than any other
These people now, I consider sisters and brothers
So, back and back continue I came
I realize now that I will never be the same
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