“The greatest satisfaction of recovery and living life by the spiritual principles of the Twelve Steps comes when we give it away.”

– Life with Hope, second edition, page 64

The most important thing that I can do according to Step Twelve, is to give it away and be of service to MA—the fellowship that saved my life. I show my gratitude, and ensure MA continues to exist for my fellow addicts, by being of service. Step Twelve explains that “our survival depends upon a healthy and functioning fellowship. It is our responsibility to do what we can to make sure that MA continues to be there.” If we fail to give back, MA would cease to exist.

When I once thanked my sponsor, she said I could thank her by sponsoring others. In doing so, I am able to get out of my own cluttered, anxiety-ridden, and self-involved mind, and in turn think about others. I can also be of service by being a reader or timer in a meeting, a secretary, or serving at the District-level or on World Services’ Committee. We can even be of service just by attending a meeting. Someone with one month can even offer reassurance to a newcomer at their first meeting. All of these ways of being of service are vital to MA’s existence.

Service strengthens my recovery, my relationships with others, and my self-esteem. Some of the greatest moments of joy come from my developed ability to help others. It gives me a sense of purpose I lacked before when I was in active addiction. As it says in Step Twelve, which is true in my own life “the more we help others, the more we help ourselves.” Through practicing the principles and being of service, I have been “transformed from [a] suffering addict” into someone who is “happy, joyous, and free.”

Final thought: As another year ends and a new one begins, I resolve to find ways to be of service, and give away what was so freely given to me so MA can continue to exist for myself, my fellows, the marijuana addict who still suffers, and the addict who is yet to be born.