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 talks about sponsorship. It is the story of a young person who did not have alateen available to her, so was encouraged to attend alanon. She then asked for a sponsor and the sponsor tells how much she gained in working through the steps and program with her young sponsee. This reading is a reminder to me that regardless of our age, sex, orientation, religious beliefs etc we all have something in common that brought us together. I have learned a great deal from people who are much older than I, and have learned from people much younger. The thought for the day and quote both mention that in sponsorship we receive as much as we give. I have been working with a sponsor for a little over two years. It feels very much like a reciprocal relationship and I think that is why it works so well. I have never sponsored anyone else but I'm confident that if and when that day comes I will be receiving as much as I'm giving.
Powerful reading indeed, Mary and one I can relate to. Many years ago at one of my favorite meetings a young lady approached me and asked me to be her sponsor-- she was very young and I felt I could not relate to her because of the big age difference and I suggested that she aske somebody else. Much to my surprise she immediately began to sob-- saying; "you have to do have to".
it is now 7 years later. You've worked together successfully since. HER FATHER IS STILL a STREET PERSON, herstep dad passed 2 years ago she broke up with her A BF but through it all it all, we used the Al-Anon program and walked through it together . She is now back at school and is close to graduating. Sponsorship is a true gift for each person
Thanks so much for the daily and the ESH! I will say that both sides of the sponsor/sponsee coin have brought me growth. It's hard to say which has been better because both have been gifts that I cherish.
I love working with new folks as it reminds me where I came from and how far I've come. If it weren't for the folks who came before me, I wouldn't still be here and I would still be miserable.
Happy Tuesday back @ ya!
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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
