A Sponsor

07.09.2023 As I reflect tonight, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible gift of having time with a sponsor and embracing a Higher Power in my life. The combined impact of these relationships has been nothing short of transformative, and today as I continue to search for a new sponsor, I want to share with you the profound significance of having a sponsor, working the 12 steps, and embracing a Higher Power in my life. When I first stepped through the doors of Northpoint, I was consumed by fear, doubt, and a deep sense of isolation. Addiction had stripped away my self-worth, leaving me broken and uncertain about the path ahead. I had no feelings – I was an empty shell that desperately wanted to stop drinking. I was welcomed with warmth, love, and a ton of grace. As I sobered up and began to think more clearly, I embraced the people and the process. I loved my time in-patient. I used to ride the elevator every morning because it was a sure-fire way to meet, greet, and love on all the incoming people that were probably feeling the same way I did when I arrived. My coin out was tough – I had built better relationships in my short time there than I had in years. I became an advocate for step work during my time in IOP. I was haphazardly white knuckling it until a friend in IOP encouraged me to try the steps. So, I did. The moment I found a sponsor, a glimmer of hope illuminated began to illuminate my path. Simultaneously, embracing a Higher Power inviting me to rebuild that fractured relationship and recognize that my higher power was always there, a loving and compassionate energy that I could turn to for strength and guidance. It was through this Higher Power that I surrendered my pride, my need for control, and my belief that I alone had the answers. I humbly acknowledged that I was part of something bigger and tapped into a wellspring of divine wisdom and grace. Having a sponsor and embracing a Higher Power was like having guardian angels on this arduous journey. They could see right through the camouflage of my excuses, my justifications, and my self-destructive tendencies. Always holding me accountable, gently but firmly, so that I could break free from the chains of addiction. Not having a sponsor today is a gap in my working the program – an important element that is required to help me see the forest through the trees and provide a time-tested methodology for recovery and living. I learnt that the gift of a sponsor and a Higher Power is not limited to the confines of meetings; it extended far beyond that sacred space. They became my guides through the challenges of everyday life. In moments of temptation, doubt, or despair, they offered their hands, reminding me of the tools I had acquired and the strength I possessed within. My higher power would speak directly to my heart through my sponsor many times. I learnt that sobriety was not just abstinence from alcohol; it was a way of living, a blueprint for life, a journey towards self-discovery, service, and personal growth. Having a sponsor and embracing a Higher Power is a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative nature of faith. They believe in me when I struggle to believe in myself. They celebrate my progress, no matter how small, and inspire me to reach for the stars. They constantly remind me that recovery is possible, that I am deserving of a better life, and that my past does not define my future. I honor the past, but I don’t live in it now. They also remind me often that recovery is hard and requires hard work. It is a program of action and talk is cheap. I need this in my life to keep me moving forward and to avoid complacency. Remember, my dear friends, we are not alone on this journey. We have each other, and with love and guidance, we can conquer the depths of addiction and soar to new heights of serenity, joy, and fulfillment. Our cups can be filled with goodness, kindness, and compassion. In solidarity and with boundless hope and love.