Increase Your Caring Quotient in Recovery
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo F. Buscaglia, American author and motivational speaker (1924-1998)
In early recovery, all we probably thought about was just getting through the day without giving into our cravings and urges. In fact, such thoughts likely consumed us for quite some time in those early days. Many of us had to slowly and painfully make our way through only one or two of the 12-Steps before we began to feel as if there was light at the end of the tunnel. Care about others? We were lucky if we cared much about ourselves at the time. Sure, we wanted to believe that we'd be successful in recovery, but we weren't all that certain that we'd ever make it.
How we got through those early days isn't too much of a mystery, though. Those of us with a strong support network know that it's because of the caring and non-stop encouragement and support of our fellow 12-step group members and our family members. They never gave up on us, never found it too much to listen to our doubts and fears, never turned their backs on us in our time of need. At least, that's what happens in the best of circumstances.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have both support networks - 12-step groups and loved ones. But there are always the 12-step groups available and it's this fellowship that forms the bedrock foundation for many in recovery who are just starting to find their way.
Seeing the example of others who lend their time without complaint, who listen to our troubles and offer reassurance, who tell us endless stories of how they were able to successfully overcome this hurdle and that helps us recognize the value of caring for others. If we're open enough to be able to see the caring quotient in others, we can begin to appreciate how much demonstrating caring can benefit us.
All it really takes is getting outside ourselves and being willing to help others. Start small at first, so it begins to feel natural. Offer to spend some time with a newcomer who wants to hear how we got through early recovery. If a newcomer has transportation issues, offer to provide it. Share what we've learned that works for us at the appropriate times during group meetings. When we've reached the time in our recovery when we've enjoyed at least a year of successful sobriety, maybe we're ready to consider becoming a sponsor. What better way to increase our caring quotient than that?
