Wow. THIS is a far cry from a year ago, I have to tell you.
I was approached yesterday prior to a meeting and asked to be someone's sponsor. I was almost embarrassed. Me? A Sponsor? Seriously? SERIOUSLY? Knowing what I know now about how much guts and humility it takes to ask someone, I was honored, flabberghasted, and humbled. Of course, this ol' alcoholic mind wanted to course over it, analyse it, gloat and internalize, martyr myself and be embarrassed, and basically hyper-extend the question until world peace was threatened. Again.
But I didn't. I had to turn the guy down, but I offered to be a temp, giving him my numbers and contact info, and recommended MY Sponsor to him. Accepting that MY HP doesn't make mistakes, I had to tell the guy I was grateful that he would trust me with his decision but that my sponsor had instructed me not to sponsor anyone for a year. I said I would be glad to help where I can.
I'd love to get all puffed up with pride and righteous humility, but that's what put me here to begin with. I opted for the ole, "Trust your HP," thingy....
I am SO grateful to be undrunk today.
Well, who wouldn't want such a together, energetic guy as a sponsor? You're talking the talk and walking the walk, you are exuding confidence (not the phony kind you fear) and compassion - all good stuff that must throw a little aura around you. Maybe he wants to be like you when he grows up =) What a nice little day brightener, skg.
Peace~MomNMore
Peace~MomNMore
| QUOTE |
| Maybe he wants to be like you when he grows up =) What a nice little day brightener, skg. |
It really was, MomNMore. I'd have blushed and done the "Aw, shucks, you don't really want me," but that's the old me. I was: a) Sooo thankful that I must be getting better and worthy of such a request; b) Thankful to MY HP that He/She/It would show me I'm getting better; c) Grateful that the guy mustered up the courage to ask me; and d) Humble enough to ask the guy to allow me to be his friend in recovery without joking him up.
Humility: "A clear recognition of what and who we REALLY are, follwed by a sincere attempt to become what we could be."
Such a gift SKG when people start asking us to Sponsor them, such a gift...I couldn't believe that any woman would want what I have.....I've taken some on as Sponsees (what a privilege) and had to turn some loose, and then say No to a few others; right now I'm sponsoring 3 young ladies and 1 "sort of"...lol!
VWGirl,
How do you know when to say no? I mean, yeah, Step 11 and all, but can you tell? I mean, the ones that really want to work it? My sponsor has told me to wait--let stuff sink in and mature (and he's making me work even MORE with this BB study and all...) before taking on another life. I'm almost relieved--part of my disease included helping others. The "reverse pride," thing we've spoken of before.
Anyway, I've always respected your sobriety--care to share? E-me if it's not a discussion topic you necessarily want to continue.
S
How do you know when to say no? I mean, yeah, Step 11 and all, but can you tell? I mean, the ones that really want to work it? My sponsor has told me to wait--let stuff sink in and mature (and he's making me work even MORE with this BB study and all...) before taking on another life. I'm almost relieved--part of my disease included helping others. The "reverse pride," thing we've spoken of before.
Anyway, I've always respected your sobriety--care to share? E-me if it's not a discussion topic you necessarily want to continue.
S
Well, usually I agree to work temporarily with another woman to see if we are a good fit (that's what my Sponsor did with me)....if not then I tell her or sometimes I just end up not seeing them again, they never call again or they stop showing up at meetings; sometimes I get that gut feeling, that intuition if you will, that I don't have what a certain person needs ~ and I have to say no, I'm sorry I cannot but I may be able to suggest someone who will be a better fit for them...I tell them you can call me anytime though. My Sponsor says I can't give away what I don't have and sometimes I don't have "it" for a particular woman and that is revealed to me by my Higher Power (that's what I choose to believe at least). Hope this make sense.
Yep. Pretty much what I presumed. Thanks for sharing--
