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Our journey through addiction often left us reliant on external sources for our happiness and well-being. Today, we explore the transformative principle of self-support, a cornerstone of recovery that encourages independence, responsibility, and personal growth.
“In our addiction, we were dependent upon people, places, and things. We looked to them to support us and supply the things we found lacking in ourselves.” – Basic Text, p. 67
The nature of our addiction led us to seek fulfillment and security from outside ourselves, often at the expense of our relationships and integrity. This dependency mirrored the behavior of a leech, moving from one source to another in a continual search for sustenance, leaving a trail of exhaustion and depletion in our wake.
The principle of self-support challenges us to break free from the cycle of dependency. It invites us to cultivate a sense of self-reliance, finding within ourselves the resources and resilience we previously sought elsewhere. This shift is not about isolation but about strengthening our capacity to contribute to our well-being and the well-being of our community.
Adopting a stance of self-support requires both courage and humility. It involves acknowledging our needs and vulnerabilities while taking proactive steps to address them. This journey includes learning to manage our finances, care for our physical and emotional health, and engage in meaningful activities that enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.
While the principle of self-support emphasizes personal responsibility, it also underscores the value of the fellowship in our recovery. The support and guidance we receive from our peers are not crutches but tools that empower us to stand on our own. In turn, as we grow stronger, we offer our strength and experience to those who are newly navigating the path of recovery.
Today, let’s reaffirm our commitment to the principle of self-support. Let’s recognize the progress we’ve made in becoming more self-reliant and the areas where we continue to seek growth. By embracing this principle, we lay a foundation for a recovery marked by independence, resilience, and a deepened sense of purpose.