TAKING ACTION

By J. Vance

For many of us, because of the issues that we deal with, we have become resistant to taking action in many aspects of our lives. One of the main functions of a support group is to give us an opportunity to try on new roles and to take steps that we normally would not take. Our affiliate association should not just support us in what we are experiencing and in what we are doing to work our way through these issues, but it should support us in DOING.

We have mustered up the courage and taken the steps necessary in attending support group meetings. This in itself says something about us as individuals. It means that we have love and consideration for our own well being, that we would take these risks to foster a path towards being complete.

Now the next step of actively participating--

It is interesting that most of us have lived in an environment where giving public prayers is common place, yet many of us are terrified to offer a prayer at one of our meetings. By doing something about our fears–by facing them–we can come closer to reaching our goals. Elements of our struggle would like us to believe that we are incapable and unworthy of offering anything of value to ourselves or to anyone else. We need to prove these feelings wrong. For those of us who are afraid to pray, we need to stand up and volunteer. But what if you give a lousy prayer? So what? You have already made a statement about yourself that proves those feelings of unworthiness wrong. By making the attempt and by progressing further every time, you are declaring "I am making it, and change is taking place within my life."

Now, take a moment and reflect on your interaction with your support group. Are you merely present at meetings or are you participating? Most of us can be doing more, and by doing more will be gaining the reward. Your support group needs people who are dedicated enough to face their fears, to give prayers, prepare lessons, provide refreshments, volunteer for a committee assignment, and be willing to be an affiliate leader.

If you find after a few attempts that you are having difficulties in making the transition to doing, then discuss your fears with your group. You will find the support and help that you need. If you realize that there are not enough apparent opportunities to act on within your chapter, then discuss this with your affiliate leaders and work out a plan where you and other members of your affiliate can have opportunities to serve.

I testify to you that if you will be willing to provide service, and through this service conquer many of your fears, then you will find much growth in your life, and you will be well on the path in meeting your goals. I have seen this principle work in my life, and know that if I would have responded to this organization the way I have responded towards anything prior to this time, then I would not be here now, and I would not have made the growth that I enjoy today. By actively working in my support group I have broken down the barriers that told me that I was incapable and unworthy. Now the transition from the support group to other aspects of my life is taking place in regard to this principle, and my life is richly blessed because of it.

Originally published in Journey, volume 2, Number 2, 1992.
 

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