The holiday season is upon us and at this time of year most of the nation practices and embraces the spirit that those of us in recovery try to live by all year long. The Thanksgiving holiday is all about thankfulness and gratitude and the Christmas/Chanukah season celebrates joy and light and the spirit of giving. New Year is a time for reflection and introspection and a good time to set short and long term goals.
It is no coincidence that in our program we call November “Gratitude Month”. During November most meetings are about gratitude and we frequently hear people sharing on how grateful they are for their recovery. It is always good to remember that gratitude is an action word and we can best demonstrate our gratitude by helping others.
Our preamble states that our primary purpose is “to stay sober and to help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety”. In our statement on responsibility we say: “I am responsible whenever anyone, anywhere reaches out for help the hand of AA should always be there.” This statement does not limit our help to alcoholics and addicts. Every kind and helpful act is a healing experience for those of us in recovery. The concept of giving expressed during the holidays represents the spiritual nature of the act of giving and gives those of us in recovery a wonderful opportunity to work our program.
It is estimated that active alcoholics/addicts negatively effect twenty people and it is safe to assume that when they enter recovery they are able to positively effect twenty people. We can become myopic in our recovery and feel that our efforts of help should be confined to other alcoholics and addicts. But what if we were to take the principles and spirit of gratitude and giving that this season represents into the world outside of our meeting halls? How many organizations need volunteers? How many people can use our help?
When we take our philosophy of giving to others out into the world great things happen. Our positive attitude and spiritual focus can only improve the lives of others. This will happen in veteran’s hospitals, nursing homes, child care centers, shelters for abused women, food banks and homeless shelters. In helping others we help ourselves.
With this in mind, in this issue you will find a list of organizations that need volunteer help. You may know of others. Why not put your gratitude into action and practice the true spirit of this holiday season by sharing your joy with others.