SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information - View Single Post

navysteve · 07-11-2009, 04:53 AM

I like posting about step 11 because this is one of the steps where I feel like I am still growing in AA. Making amends for me today is more about the mechanics of staying right with the world so I can continue to seek His will. The same goes for inventory and such...

Since I just came from spending two weeks immersed in the lives of 87 young peoples lives and dealing with problems ranging from hospital trips to stubbed toes I came home feeling drained. As I listened to Anne's experiences of the last two weeks without me I realized that it is important to know when we can give attention and when we need attention. Often we are inclined to give, give, and give without ever asking anything in return. We may think that this is a sign of generosity or even heroism ( and how I am guilty of this!). But it might be little else than a proud attitude that says: "I don't need help from others. I only want to give." When we keep giving without receiving we burn out quickly. Only when we pay careful attention to our own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs can we be, and remain, joyful givers.

There is a time to give and a time to receive. We need equal time for both if we want to live healthy lives.

That is an important element in AA for me as well. I sometimes get caught up in the moment with helping others that I forget that I too, sometimes ( every now and then) need help.

07-11-2009, 04:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
navysteve Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,870	Thoughts on the eleventh step I like posting about step 11 because this is one of the steps where I feel like I am still growing in AA. Making amends for me today is more about the mechanics of staying right with the world so I can continue to seek His will. The same goes for inventory and such... Since I just came from spending two weeks immersed in the lives of 87 young peoples lives and dealing with problems ranging from hospital trips to stubbed toes I came home feeling drained. As I listened to Anne's experiences of the last two weeks without me I realized that it is important to know when we can give attention and when we need attention. Often we are inclined to give, give, and give without ever asking anything in return. We may think that this is a sign of generosity or even heroism ( and how I am guilty of this!). But it might be little else than a proud attitude that says: "I don't need help from others. I only want to give." When we keep giving without receiving we burn out quickly. Only when we pay careful attention to our own physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs can we be, and remain, joyful givers. There is a time to give and a time to receive. We need equal time for both if we want to live healthy lives. That is an important element in AA for me as well. I sometimes get caught up in the moment with helping others that I forget that I too, sometimes ( every now and then) need help.