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this is the one part of the program i have the most difficulty with -- HOW to share my success without being arrogant, conceited or self-important. i understand the principle of humility to encompass all that i am failures and successes and to accept it as a whole package. i also understand that it is important for our newer members to see those of us with a bit of time succeed to nourish HOPE. all of this is spiritual and without doubt an important part of being an active member of this fellowship. the hard part for me is sharing my success and not playing into my character defects. of course, being the type of person i am it is all black or white, either i am humble or i am arrogant, there is no grey area here.
my solution?? before i share about a recent victory i need to remember where i got the tools to succeed. i was not thriving when i walked in here, barely employable, without friends and up to my neck in legal hot water. everything that i have gotten since the day i first surrendered to the program has been a gift. whether i choose to view the source of this gift as GOD or the recovery process, is irrelevant. the fact is my success in recovery comes from OUTSIDE ME!
yes, i did the footwork and yes i was the one who finally surrendered and yes i am the one that kept coming back, BUT it was those members who were present when i got here who showed me that i could succeed. you guys taught me what i needed to know, encouraged me when times were difficult and loved me until i learned to tolerate, accept and love myself. you guys opened my mind to the concepts of the spiritual nature of this program and you guys provided me the HOPE that yes even i could be a success!
THANKS ALL!
∞ DT∞