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JANUARY 15

SERVICE

SPIRITUAL BALANCE

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of the keys to twelve-step recovery, regardless of the manifestation of addiction, is service. Ultimately, all of the steps lead to the inevitable end of carrying the message of recovery to another person who is still suffering. I do not need to wait until I have formally worked a Twelfth Step with a sponsor in order to practice this principle. In fact, I may not ever get the opportunity to work a Twelfth Step if I do not start practicing this principle as soon as possible.

I ask my higher power to use me to help any of his children who need help, whether they are “old” or new in recovery.

When I’m feeling that my chronic pain is too much for me to bear, I get out of myself and find a spiritual connection with a higher power by connecting with another person who needs help. I can be of service to this person, sharing, listening, or just being present, and I find my higher power through that connection. Once connected to my higher power, I’m disconnected from the intensity and power of my chronic pain.

Trusting in the recovery process can teach me that I can manage my pain without using substances. Having had this experience, I can more effectively help others who are trying to recover, as the Twelfth Step instructs.