"In seeking a sponsor, most members look for someone they feel they can learn to trust, someone who seems compassionate ..."
IP No. 11, Sponsorship, Revised
The idea of sponsorship may be new to us. We have spent many years without direction, relying only on self-interest, suspecting everyone, trusting no one. Now that were learning to live in recovery, we find we need help. We can't do it alone anymore; we must take the risk of trusting another human being. Often, the first person we take that risk with is our sponsor-someone we respect, someone we identify with, someone we have reason to trust.
As we open up to our sponsor, a bond develops between us. We disclose our secrets and develop confidence in our sponsor's discretion. We share our concerns and learn to value our sponsor's experience. We share our pain and are met with empathy. We get to know one another, respect one another, love one another The more we trust our sponsor, the more we learn to trust ourselves.
Trust helps us move away from a life of fear, confusion, suspicion, and indirection. In the beginning, it feels risky to trust another addict. But that trust is the same principle we apply in our relationship with a Higher Power-risky or not, our experience tells us we can't do without it. And the more we take the risk of trusting our sponsor, the more open we will feel about our lives.
Just for Today: I want to grow and change. I will risk trusting my sponsor and find the rewards of sharing.
I know many people who are sponsors. Most are working a good program and have the best interests of their sponsees at heart. Some "talk the talk" but are not so mature in their recovery. I trust my sponsor. I admire his recovery and believe he wants what is best for me. This makes following his suggestions easy. I often marvel at the beauty of our program. We are given a road map to positive change ..... the twelve steps. An experienced person to guide us on our spiritual journey.....a sponsor And a place to meet with other like minded people for sharing ..... a meeting. And it cost a dollar a day......but only if you can afford it. Amazing.
