Gratitude in action is a driver of change: As we convey the message, our own lives are transformed.
The Principles That Guide Us, Fifth Tradition, Introductory Reflection
We say to the newcomer, "Welcome home," as we give him our number, a brochure, and a meeting list. "Call me whenever you want. Be patient - everything will be fine." This simple act of gratitude conveys a powerful message, just as the Fifth Tradition and Twelfth Step are intended. Such simple words and actions happen every day in the gatherings. While our intention may be to help the new or potential member, we end up helping ourselves. We are reminded of where we come from and our gratitude is activated.
At NA, all of our service efforts focus—directly or indirectly—on our primary purpose. Groups are the primary vehicle for getting the message across, and they need trusted servants to make them run smoothly. Likewise, events convey a message and require a lot of work behind the scenes. We serve to ensure that the addict seeking help over the phone or online will find the information they need to get to their first meeting. All this and much more happens within NA services and most of it goes unnoticed. Our members are hard at work translating the literature, telling the world that we are here to help, and proving that NA is a credible recovery program.
We tell newcomers that they can change and barely notice how our lives are transformed as we convey this message. It's a happy byproduct, a pleasant surprise, an unintended consequence. Call it what you will, there is no doubt that our lives change, and so do we. Each Step has an impact on who we are and how we see ourselves. We connect with a Higher Power, with ourselves and with other people.
By the time we reach the Twelfth Step, we are not the same people, and all this change has made us more and more able to serve. Our new approach to life reflects this transformation. We are there for each other in times of crisis and celebration. It is who we are and what we do. We carry that “How can I help?” mentality. in society, and this is changing the way we interact with the world.
I will look for opportunities to contribute today and take time to appreciate my transformation.
