[nandm]

Never avoid these responsibilities, but be sure you are doing the right thing if you assume them. Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery. A kindly act once in a while is'nt enough. You have to act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be. It may mean the loss of many nights sleep, great interference with your pleasures, interruptions to your business.........(Quoted from the chapter "Workign With Others" in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous)

What is a foundation stone? Foundation stones make up the foundation of a structure. The concept is derived from the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

A foundations stone is also a concept which provides the basic tools for understanding a larger intellectual edifice.

Each time we help others we place another stone in the foundation of our recovery. We shore up our faith from the stormy waters of self-centeredness by selfless action. Helping others reinforces our faith by continually providing spiritual experience. Helping others is evidence of our gratefulness for the gift we have been given.

Building a foundation of stone is essential to our recovery. A foundation built on shifting sands will only fail with time. How do I develop and maintain a firm foundation? I develop this through working with other alcoholics, applying the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions to all areas of life, and maintaining and developing a spiritual connection. Through these things I continue to learn, develop faith and trust in our Higher Power, and grow in gratitude and selflessness.

What is your foundation built upon?
How do you maintain and build your foundation?