Good morning everyone-

Todays reading is a focus on the importance service work for us in recovery. The writer describes growing up on an alcoholic home where she was told her fate was to be rejected from college, not amount to anything and end up barefoot and pregnant.  The writer was determined to prove her father wrong, but always fell short in reaching goals throughout her life. She came to Al-Anon, asked for a sponsor, and was directed into service work right away.  Although she was afraid of falling short, she accepted the work and persevered. Other Al-Anon members began praising her work and she gained confidence, offering her hand when another opportunity became available.  She became even more confident/stronger and finished college and started her career in teaching.  The negativity she grew up in was replaced with courage and self-respect.

This reading made me think of all that we gain when we give. I was reminded of how helpful it is, especially when feeling lost or unsure, to reach out to someone else.  In my experience practicing selflessness has helped me work on self- immeasurably. I think the service work, as described in the meeting, is a specific way to find grounding and a place in meetings.  Everyone who is there has a role: the person who begins the reading, someone who puts the literature out, those who help with set up and break down of chairs, those who sit and bear witness.  The importance is in seeing and feeling that no one job is more important than another, and the singularity in why everyone is in the room becomes clear. 

Thought for the Day: Al-Anon service work provides a supportive training ground to find out the best of who I am and who I can become.

I hope everyone enjoys a peaceful Sunday:)

Mary