“This Step says we can be of service to God, ourselves, and others. Those of us that have been around long enough to take all the Steps are well aware that this kind of giving is its own reward. The more we help others, the more we help ourselves.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 64

Throughout my time in recovery and after working the Steps, I found a purpose in life, finding a lot of direction from the Saint Francis/Eleventh Step Prayer and from being of service. While others may see what’s lacking, I task myself to see what I can bring to the table and fill that hole. It can be carrying the message in any way that I can or embracing who I truly am and living authentically to show others that there’s a place in the world and in the rooms for them, too.

One of the greatest gifts that I’ve gotten from MA and one that I’ve had the opportunity to continue to give away over and over again, is the power of fellowship. I’m fortunate that my home group is on Friday night in Los Angeles. After each meeting we go out for fellowship, sharing a meal and having some laughs, staying out super late, like we’re not missing out on anything in life being clean. Our literature says sharing good times with fellow addicts lets newcomers see that it is possible to enjoy life in recovery.

When I first realized that there was fun to be had in sobriety, the possibilities seemed endless and that was when my life with hope began. In helping to continue the tradition of fellowship and bringing joy, laughter and fun into other people’s lives, the love I give, in return, fills up my own cup. Things fall into place and everything in my life seems right where it’s supposed to be.

Final thought: Today, I will be of service to my fellows and the people around me–bringing some light, love, and laughter into the world.