“The final stage of healing is using what happens to you to help other people.” Gloria Steinem
I certainly endorse that statement. If you have had the life threatening experience of an addiction and couldn’t recover without help then this statement makes a lot of sense to you.
Let’s consider what Dr. Bob S, co-founder of AA has to say, “I spend a great deal of time passing on what I learned to others who want and need it daily. I do it for four reasons:
1 Sense of duty.
2. It is a pleasure.
3. Because in doing so I am paying my debt to the man who took time to pass it on to me.
4. Because every time I do it I take out a little more insurance for my self against a possible slip.”
Thanks Dr. Bob.
In our program of recovery in Step Twelve this is pretty much what Dr. Bob is talking about and here is what it says:
“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to the depressed, and to practice these principles in all of our affairs.”
If there is anything that has been a greater part of my healing from depression it is in telling my story. I continue to carry the message to anyone who is wiling to listen. Join a Depressed Anonymous group where you live, or if you are alone, then possibly a Home Study avenue might be what you are looking for.
On this coming Saturday I will be honored to be the moderator of a Webinar directed to the Depressed Anonymous groups in Russia and beyond. For more information please check out this website (depressedanon.com ) for Wednesday the 20th of February and get the details on how to log in.
SOURCE: Depressed Anonymous, 3rd edition. (2011) Depressed Anonymous Publications. Louisville. KY.
Visit our Store at the Depressed Anonymous Publications Bookstore for how to look at Books available on line.