The following is a continuation from yesterday’s writing…
The growth I experienced through addiction is something my wife and I still reflect on. Our entire family was transformed by my decision to immerse myself in the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Those steps taught me how to live, but equally important, they taught me to share what I’d learned with others. AA has a saying: You can’t keep what you have unless you give it away. That’s countercultural. And it’s absolutely true.
One of the most intentional things you can do is invest in another person’s growth. Mentoring, encouraging, teaching, celebrating — these acts cost us something, but nothing we can’t spare. And the return…a life full of meaningful relationships, is incalculable.
I think of the people who lit a candle for me at the right moment — my wife, my boss, my brother, and a guy from AA, who all showed up for my intervention. My treatment counselor Wendy. My outpatient counselor Linda. My sponsors, Gary and Vic. The thousands who sat in those meetings and shared their energy with me. Their light didn’t diminish by shining toward me. It multiplied.
Soul Search
- Who are you investing in? Not just financially, but with your time, your wisdom, your presence, your belief?
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (NIV)
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
