Join Tina from Massachusetts USA in reflecting on this question: What if everyone in OA took on one more sponsee and did a little more service? Let’s commit to developing a Fellowship beyond our wildest dreams!
I felt so at ease with people I hardly knew.
”In the past, I would try to make myself feel humble,” says Maureen. “I would change my facial expression. I’ve had a new insight when reading Step Seven: humility is an action!
When we pass the basket, we call it “the Seventh Tradition” because it represents how we feel about being self-supportinga. It’s more than a donation. It’s a barometer of our gratitude and our personal investment in our recovery.
A sponsee overflows with gratitude to her sponsor. Read this wonderful poem by Catherine W. from Minnesota USA. “Finally,” she says, ”I am not alone with my fear and grief.”
OA member Glen F. reflects on the imperfect nature of being a sponsor. “Someday I’m going to let you down,” he reflects to his sponsee. Read on and take heart from his heart’s guidance, both spoken and unspoken.
Do you sometimes feel dissatisfied with your meetings, available sponsors, or other aspect of program? What’s the solution? For Cate M. from California USA, the solution is to shift your perspective. “Our program works without us working it perfectly,” she explains.
What happens when you apply a “speed dating” format to match up OA sponsors with sponsees? Only good things, as Christine from New Zealand describes from her experience at an OA retreat.
Chris B. reflects on the personal challenges that come with sponsorship and just how essential sponsorship is to recovery. “Consider my hand forever raised for being available to sponsor,” says Chris.
“A glass that looks so clean when out of the bright light can actually be very dirty,” notes Paulette. When she agrees reluctantly in to be held up to the light, she says “It is shocking to see me as I really am . . . . but now I know what to do about it.” The answer is in the Seventh Step.