In AA ,I first heard The Responsibility Statement – “I am responsible – when anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there, and for that: I am responsible,” This was first introduced to the Fellowship of A.A. in July 1965 to a crowd of 10,000 gathered at the 30th Anniversary Convention in Toronto. A former A.A. trustee, Al S., wrote it.
In my first few years in Alcoholics Anonymous, I was in a fog. However, over the years, the meaning of this powerful statement has brought great significance and importance into my life. I had never taken responsibility for anything I could dodge growing up or in my marriage. I found out through the step work, that I had never grown up because of the abuse. I was still acting childlike.
I handled life by reacting and drinking for courage while stuffing my feelings. I was not there for myself and therefore not there for my family or friends. In high school, I walked away from a group who asked me to be the vice-present of the club. I reacted from fear. I emotionally ran from accepting responsibilities. In my marriage, I contrived my husband to take care of the problems that I produced. .
Over time in the program working the steps and with my sponsor’s guidance, I found myself more able to change my actions from responding in fear to being in service and not running away. I found myself in helping at conferences, speaking at schools and treatment centers, and chairing meetings. Overtime, I felt comfortable to reach out to the new comer. With more service work, it felt save to be there for another as I began sponsoring.
This changed my attitude to being open to reach out and be there to help others. I have gotten over my fear and now am able to respond in helpful ways. At my home group, I was told the newsletter needs someone to write articles. My first response was to think I was not up to this.
However, the same person brought me a printed newsletter again saying they are looking for someone to write for the paper. Since I already was a writer, this time I realized I could try to write one. I have learned about the workings of AA through preparing each piece. I enjoy writing the articles, today, I feel good to contribute information and understanding. I have continued to provide articles monthly for several years. I have to give it away to keep it.
I heard that others are just friends I have yet to meet. I know that we are here to help others. Seeing from my new perspective, I became more interested in being available in ways needed for the group, members, and newcomers. We must remember that A.A. will continue strong, only so long as each of us freely and happily gives it away to another person. Nowadays, I know it is a blessing. I understand how it is helping me become more of who I truly am.
There are opportunities for everyone to be helpful every single day. Sometimes they are as simple as returning that phone call, that message or that email to the person who is reaching out to you in need. Sometimes it simply means smiling at a newcomer as you pass them in the room, or asking them how their day is going.
How about you?A.A. has saved my life – how could I not give back? Instead of running from being responsible, I find the rewards feel good; I do not have to drink to feel good. I will never forget my first international AA convention in Seattle, and those I attended in Australia and San Diego when we joined hands to pray at the closing ceremony. Joining hands with 60 or more thousands recovering alcoholics in the closing ceremony was so potent. I still feel that energy of power, love, and unity. .
I find the simplicity of “anyone, anywhere” deeply meaningful. As an alcoholic in recovery, working the 12 steps puts me on a spiritual plane that allows me to be used for a higher purpose that is to be of service to anyone reaching out for help, regardless of the source of their problem. Always answer the call, because you will understand more than ever, how good you feel when you do.
By Marilyn R.
Member
