The Joys of Sponsorship

[NMDemDist2]

I have a new sponsee who just moved to town as a re-tread with about 14 months.

What a joy and gift she has been to me. She has been around before and got quite a few years then was out for a few years. What a gift it is to have someone in my life that is serious about changing her life and reactions.

I know sometimes working with newcomers can be heartbreaking and frustrating, but all that falls away when you see the light coming on in someone's eyes and see them practice these principles and watch them walk through life's hardballs with (mostly) grace and faith.

:bounce:

[varkam]

1. A question on sponsorship, if I may.

I know that there are no real rules set in stone about sponsorship other than some guidelines, but I was just wondering if you "know" when it is right to start taking on a sponsee? I'm starting to get some serious sobriety, have worked through the steps one, and will continue to work through them. I don't think I'm ready presently to be a guide to someone else, but I was wondering what your thoughts were.

:pals:

And I'm glad that you found someone who is serious about the program that you can help along. There's little better in this life than being able to assist someone else.

[NMDemDist2]

2. if you have worked the steps you are at step 12 and that step is all

about working with others

I, personally, started sponsoring fairly quickly and it taught me more about how to work this program than almost anything BUT (and it's a big BUT) you have to have good sponsorship yourself. Your sponsor will be as important as anything else when you start working with others. The experience of your sponsor will make a huge difference in how well you integrate working with others within your practice of the principles.

So I guess the bottom line is, you're ready to sponsor if you've worked the steps and your sponsor tells you to go for it.

Another thought is that you don't have to make a specific commitment as a "sponsor" to work with others. In fact, it's recommended you start working with others as soon as possible in a friendly and helpful way. The Big Book tells us:

Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking as intensive work with other alcoholics. It works when other activities fail.

Working with others keeps *ME* sober. I can't control if others will quit drinking.

hope that helped :hi:

[varkam]

3. That does help, thank you.

If I can at meetings, I try to offer some supportive words to others that are having a bit tougher time of it than I am. I know that always takes me out of my own BS and puts me in the position of trying to serve others, which makes it pretty hard for me to be in the mindset of my addiction.

I will talk with my sponsor about it (and I do have an excellent sponsor, thankfully).

:pals: Thanks.

[Kajsa]

4. I'm so glad you have a new sponsee

who's serious about getting sober.
It takes a lot to get to that point.

Yep, working with others helps keep me sober.
When I'm responsible for helping others, perspective
and balance are restored in my life.

That light in their eyes is one of the most beautiful things
there is to experience.

;-) :hi:

[NMDemDist2]

5. it's cool too cuz we're the same age group and are 'gal pals' too

not a whole lot yet, but the relationship has the potential to be a deep friendship

[Kajsa]

6. That is very cool.;-)

It's great to be friends,too.

;-)