“We are now in a position to truly carry the message, in a powerful and joyful way, to the fellow addicts who are still suffering.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 63-64

I am so grateful to the fellow MA members who helped me get through the first period of recovery. I had many difficult days and there was always someone from MA who would listen to me without judgment and give me support. The kindness of MA members was an act of love. I like to give back what I first received in recovery and I am carrying the message through service. The greatest joy comes from giving and being of service. Service is a key to joy, to love.

I heard someone say, “When I got busy, I got better.” Activity through service helped me in my early days of recovery. Attending a meeting, participating in a meeting, and offering help are all acts of service. When I support others, I find comfort and joy in the act of giving and being of service. The more I give to myself, the more I can give to others. I have learned to give to others from a place of inner strength and compassion. Being of service to others brings me true happiness. I realized that this loving, giving person is the real me. My true purpose in life is to give to others, and I receive happiness, fulfillment, and meaning in return. I am able to give without expecting a reward and the greatest reward is realized by helping others.

Final thought: If I want to have happiness for a lifetime, I can help somebody and be of service.