SERVICE AND HEALING
August 16, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader
“The healing we receive by giving service in ACA removes our deep feelings of inferiority in giving and receiving love. Our sense of inadequacy begins to disappear when we see the value of the service we give.” BRBp.363
“In a myriad of ways most of us were taught that we were inferior. Our perceptions were challenged. Our feelings were denied. Our thoughts were over powered by the dysfunction in our families.
As we “come to” in ACA, we realize that our perceptions, feelings and thoughts are being respected because they are true for us. Through regular attendance at meetings, we slowly develop the knowledge that we are not inferior, and begin sharing and working the steps with a fellow traveler. At some point we notice that others chip in to make this miracle possible by doing service to keep the meeting strong. This is where part of the magic of recovery happens: in one instant we are lost, and in the next we become able to help by doing service work ourselves for the group.
Seeing new members attend their first meetings and then seeing them as they begin to “come to “brings us joy and makes any level of service we can give an act of love that reflects our love of our True Selves.
On this day I will recall my first days in ACA and the comfort I found. As I am ready and able to do so, I will continue the tradition of freely giving service to help ensure that what I have received is available to others.”
My Experience:
I never really thought about how giving service lessened my sense of inadequacy. But thinking about it now, this is so very true. I feel like an important and integral part of something bigger than myself. I help in a multitude of ways, whether that is speaking in meetings, chairing a meeting, cleaning up afterwards, attending the business meeting, putting out the literature, or even having an ear, a smile, or a hug for a fellow traveler. How wonderful to know that my inadequacy is lessening every day. Oh happy days!!
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