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for the common good, is not a topic i often consider. for me, i no longer seek out the motives for doing something kind, caring or good, but that was not always the case. sitting with one of the men i sponsor yesterday afternoon, discussing the SEVENTH TRADITION, what kept coming up for me was the responsibility to take care of the bidness of my home group, whether or not i wanted to do so. what kept coming up for him was the FREEDOM a group achieves when it is self supporting through the actions of its members. even though we were looking through different lenses, the two of us were seeing the exact same thing, doing the next right thing for the group was participating goodwill and helping to carry the message to the still suffering addict. moving on …

Ryan B
Congrats on a DECADE (X) years clean.

Jayme P
Congrats on TWENTY-FIVE (XXV) years clean.

as my source material is very succinct in pointing out, for me, doing the next right thing, just because, was not what i was all about, for the longest time. there was always a string attached, even after a minute clean. as i grew up in recovery and started to see that i could do good without needing a pat on the back, or breaking my arm to pat myself on the back, i found satisfaction in the doing, rather than being “honored” for doing so. it has even reached the point where i am almost embarrassed to have anyone thank me for doing the next correct thing, almost, but not quite, i am still a sick pup. 😜
this morning, however, i see that living in a world where i do not expect to be thanked or recognized for doing something, makes any expression of gratitude that much more precious. i get to feel good about doing something whether or not someone “catches me in the act.” when my sponse first suggested that i “serve anonymously” i was confused as to his intent. what i got, however was a sense of self and the ability to move into a new phase of my recovery, where i began to take the principle of selfless service into all aspects of my life. this morning, as i attempt to figure out how my day is going to play out, i can be certain of one thing, just for today, IF i choose to be of service, it will probably will be without any expectation of return.

∞ DT ∞