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 gives us a chance to step out of the standard steps and slogans, into the realm of Traditions and personal opportunity within the program. Tradition seven states that groups should be self-supporting...what does that mean?
The author, and I myself for a long time, thought of it only as contributing a monetary donation into the basket to cover rent. But there are other opportunities to contribute to the group's self-support, the author reminds us: service positions.
The author describes a situation where we could fall back to habits we used with the disease: feeling that we were responsible for things outside of our control, perhaps filling more than our share of service positions in order to keep our group growing. Balance must be exercised as allowing others to contribute time and effort to the group allows them to share in the joy and experience of service. It would not be healthy for us, nor the group, to handle too much in an attempt to fulfill Tradition Seven on our own.
In closing, the author considers the ways they can contribute to their home group, along with this quote from Alateen - a day at a time:
"I can support my group in a number of ways. When the basket is passed, I can give what I can. Just as important, I can give my time and moral support to help make ours the kind of group I want to belong to".
*******
Today's reading is a great for me to consider from the other side of balance, because I have always supported groups monetarily, but not as a service holder. I felt there were legitimate reasons: felt I lacked experience, work schedule, moving away, etc...
This page gives me pause, challenges me to consider my motives, opportunities and availability for service opportunities. Am I doing all that I can? I see members who contribute a great amount of time, love, wisdom, and ESH to new comers and members in need of support. Could I adjust my habits to help my group be self-supporting?
Only I know what I can do, and if I can do more. The program suggests, however, that everyone benefits when we all contribute what we can. This page is a great reminder for me to consider what I can do in the spirit of Tradition Seven.
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
Good morning Paul - thank you for the daily, your ESH and your SERVICE to MIP! Just had to throw that out there!
This is a great read and just one of so many founding principles that keep the recovery going. I still and often am blown away by how 12 Step recovery programs have a solid fundamental structure that allows all to contribute in any way they desire, with nobody in charge and no hierarchical structure. It gives me gratitude and joy in my heart to realize I am a member among members of a non-political self-support organization with many, many equals.
When I first arrived, I thought of service using my 'old thinking'. You did service for acknowledgement, recognition and kudos. I realized over time that you do service as part of your recovery. Learning how to place ourselves first but be of service around us - in/out of the program - to keep the grace, humility and momentum of growth going. Every service opportunity is equal in merit and appreciated - from greeting new members to emptying trash, making coffee, etc.
For those who wonder, MIP is also funded by members. There is a way to offer funding for the servers, the storage, and fees that keep MIP alive. You should be able to find a link on almost every page you view. Self-supporting means we all contribute and we all benefit. Outside sources are not needed - which allows us all to participate in the growth, health and wholeness of the group.
Make it a great day one and all - off to see the grand-babies, then my meeting and then cleaning to host dinner at my home tonight!! Great weather today with uncertain weather arriving tomorrow. (((Hugs))) to all!
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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
Hello Paul and IAH, I appreciate your sharing your ESH with this important Tradition.
Actually , I have found all of the Traditions to be important to my reovery and call on them frequently in my daily life. I know it is said that the Steps keep us from suicide and the Traditions keep us form homicide. I also find that the Traditions provide me with powerful priniciples in which to interact in the world.
Tradition 7 reminds me that I can contribute to my recovery and that of others at the meeting by simply attending and listening with a nonjudgmental open mind. This is truly a fellowship of equals.
Always more to learn, and more room to grow in recovery...thank you both for your tireless service, encouragement, and program ESH. I learn so much from what you both share, and how you say it, so very important as I strive to improve my interactions with those with the disease, and those without. Very grateful
__________________
Paul
"...when we try to control others, we lose the ability to manage our own lives." - Paths to Recovery
I often belittle myself for not having the "right" things to give. Not enough money, imperfect skills, etc. Or I get overwhelmed trying to get something to be perfect, or trying to replicate what someone else has done somewhere else and just give up. The 7th teadition reminds me to give ehat I can and feel pride in that instead of carrying guilt or shame for failing to give anything at all
