“We reach out to other addicts. We approach and make ourselves accessible to newcomers before and after meetings and during breaks…When we are having a bad day, our self-absorption diminishes when we take the time to reach out.”

– Life With Hope, second edition, pages 64-65

Being in these rooms, I’ve learned the value of outreach. This includes reaching out to others when I need support, reaching out to others when I believe they need support, or being available when others reach out to me.

Gratefully, I’ve come to a miraculous jumping off point in my recovery to pursue endeavors that I never dreamt were possible. Simultaneously, I have found an amazing way to still be of service and share my experience, strength, and hope. This is by making phone calls and sending texts to newcomers and old friends in the program who I know are struggling. The beauty of the fellowship is there are always fellows to lean on who are not necessarily our sponsor, but who can help carry us through. It is important for me to remember that without a title, I can still be a tremendous source of hope.

With sobriety, I’ve been paradoxically freed from that relentless craving which in turn frees me up to be available to others’ needs, inside and outside of these rooms. I’ve learned to live less selfishly. Only by giving it away, do I get to keep my recovery.

Final thought: Today, I will take my eyes off myself and put them on other people.