The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Today's reading is about the special and powerful bond between sponsor and sponsee. I began working with my sponsor about three years ago, and the relationship has profoundly affected my life and strengthened my commitment to recovery. I am blessed to have a sponsor that seems to know instinctively when I need comfort and when I need a gentle nudging to work at my program.
I haven't yet sponsored another but am open to that and would imagine that being in that role would also strengthen my recovery. Just as there is such strength in the fellowship of our program, having someone be there with you while working a program is invaluable.
If my sponsor happens to read this today I say: THANK YOU! And I am grateful to walk this journey together! I hope that you all have positive sponsor/sponsee relationships as well... Have a great Tuesday!
Hi Mary Thanks for posting this important message. Asking someone to sponsor me. in the beginning of this journey was difficult. I did not know how to "ask" for anything ao I needed to learn how to take the action and let go of the results . I am so glad I did as my sponsor was the first person that I trusted in a very long time.
I am s happy that alanon suggests this practice because in this fellowship of equals a sponsor is an invaluable support.
Today I have several sponsees and know that by agreeing to sponsorr others I havee grown tremendously. My ability to offer, compassion, empathy andd suport without givng advise has improved.
Good morning all - thank you Mary for your service and the daily. Thank you Mary and Betty for your ESH. I do recall the fear of asking someone to sponsor me. In my recovery, it was a pattern I had to change - asking for help, guidance, support - those were a sign of weakness in my mind based on my FOO. It took me a bit to get my courage up and ask, but I am so grateful I did!
Both roles - sponsee and sponsor are rewarding. I still have fear of failure at times, so pray if/when I am asked to sponsor. I fear I will fail at helping another but that's nothing but my defect of perfectionism that is still present, yet treated.
My sponsor has never acted smarter, wiser, better or anything than I. She has always treated me as an equal from Day 1. Like you suggest Mary - she's in tune to be able to listen only, nudge me gently or just leave me to continue processing. I am very grateful for this aspect of my program and feel it's been one of the most beneficial parts of my recovery. I have to remind myself that my best thinking got me'here' so reaching out to others gives me insight that is often way better than my brain could ever imagine.
Make it a great day ladies! I've been to the store and run some errands already so ... work around here until softball tonight, weather permitting! (((Hugs)))
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Practice the PAUSE...Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you are about to react harshly and you will avoid doing and saying things you will later regret. ~~~~ Lori Deschene
