A Worker Among Workers
Hello GROW!
This week I wanted to share a passage from Step 4 in the 12 X 12 (p. 53).
As we redouble our efforts at control, and continue to fail, our suffering becomes acute and constant. We have not once sought to be one in a family, to be a friend among friends, to be a worker among workers, to be a useful member of society. Always we tried to struggle to the top of the heap, or to hide underneath it. This self-centered behavior blocked a partnership relation with any one of those about us. Of true brotherhood we had small comprehension.
This was me, when I came into AA.
I felt such hope and excitement when I got the news that I could learn to be a friend among friends. A worker among workers: and that this was enough.
Today I don’t have to be perfect or figure everything out by myself. I just have to stop drinking, offer help, ask for help, and apologize when I screw up.
I am a worker among workers. Remembering this makes my life so much easier and it gives my ego the vacation it needs.
So, my plan each day at work is: be of service.
This keeps me open to what unfolds, as opposed to my agenda. It keeps me in Step 12. And it reminds me that I’m not the best and I’m not the worst. I’m an average-sized part of something bigger. And that’s exactly what my HP wants for me.
How do you relate to the above passage? How have you learned to reach out to your fellows in sobriety? What changes have you seen in your partnerships as a result of working the Steps?
I’m looking forward to your shares on this topic or whatever is on your heart this week.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service.
Kirsten