Wisdom Of The Rooms - 2023

[bluidkiti]

December 18

Quote of the Week

"If you want to keep it, you’ll have to give it away."

I used to believe that I needed to get, accumulate, and hoard things if I wanted to have and keep them. I used to hoard my money and never gave to charity, because I thought if I did, I’d have less for me. In my sales job, I would hoard leads and sales techniques, believing that if I shared them, it would diminish my chances of success. In relationships, I kept my feelings close to me, fearing that if I let someone know how much I cared, that person would use it against me. In general, fear led my life, and after a while I was alone, resentful, and drunk.

In recovery, I heard the darnedest thing: that if I wanted to keep my sobriety, I had to spend time working with others and giving away what I had found in the program. I argued against this, especially in the beginning, claiming that I needed the help and support first, and only later would I be able to be of service in that way. My sponsor quickly told me that if I had even a day of sobriety more than a newcomer, then I could share my experience, strength, and hope. And that’s when I began giving it away.

What I found surprised me. Rather than diminish my recovery, I discovered that the more I shared, the more enriched I became. Every single time I helped another, I was helped just as much—if not more. I began to apply this lesson in other areas of my life, and soon I was recognized at work and even promoted into management. My career flourished. I practiced giving all my love to my partner, and that relationship has turned into the most amazing marriage I could ever imagine. And I also keep giving away what I find in the rooms. As such, my sobriety is solid, my spiritual life keeps expanding, and I am truly happy, joyous, and free.