One of the character defects that I'm trying to overcome is being sort of a cheapskate.
I'm not working and my resources are modest, but I cling to money in a self centered way. I love it when I feel and act with prudent generosity. I feel that my spiritual growth is directly related to a generous spirit.
HeyDon! I think the first thing is to be aware ,and you are.Next its kind of like a faith thing.Though difficult and our backrounds certainly don't help( I was a dealer making$$$ for drugsand profit)I now believe that all I have is because of the blessings of my Higher Power so its really not mine anyway.Giving when you really don't have it is a very hard thing to do but spiritualy ,like you say,it can lift you to another place. I also believe that we be aware of the needs of our families and others.When we give ,God gives back,maybe not in cash,but in other ways..This I find for me,is just another area through work and practise I will get to a place that I feel spiritually fit and grateful to have anything at all and give generously even when I think I can't.Believe me though,I also still have a long way to go!!...Like all our other stuff my friend,keep working it and you;ll find your spot......talk to ya later...
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
Hi Don,,, I hope you dont conclude that Im commenting directly on your share....
Just bring to memory what my sponsor had said the about generosity.
An accept given is that generosity is taken as being free with money. He's a jolly good felow that's free with the money or stingy. miserly etc. when not.
My sponsors contention was that generosity should not be equeated with money only and can also include being generous with time, effort and the sort....
Moreover, he was firm in believing that generosity should be rotated.
Example= If i was free with money with Ma last week,, then this week I could give her more time and listen to her.. Next week I ould put in some effort for her like doing something specifically for her...
Im also reminded of an old proverb that goes=
" If a man in hunger asked you and you bought him a fish to eat, then he will eat once. But if you take time and teach him how to fish, he will feed himself for a lifetime "...
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
My first Sponsor used to tell me that the best way you can be helpful to others is by first taking care of myself with the time, money, energy and interest that I'm given by my Higher Power on a daily basis. This way I could be well-nourished to be able to be of assistance to another.
When I did try to practice this, I realized that as a result, I do find something that I might have a surplus to give from, be it my time, money, energy or interest. Also, by letting these surplus energies flow as they are meant to without holding on to it all for myself, I have seen many a times that I actually allow these energies to flow back in, to me...
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"If we do an honest examination of exactly what we are giving, we are better able to evaluate the results we are getting."Chapter 10 - Emotional Pain - NA Way of Life.
Thanks for the suggestions. I especially appreciate the reminder that generosity includes, time, effort and things other than money. I will be praying and looking for a generous spirit and be alert for opportunities to practice this virtue.
My sponsor suggested real early that whatever I do for someone, doi it as a gift and let go of any need, attachment to repayment and above all, don't tell anyone.
For me there has to be a moderacy in giving and receiving. I know that when my sisters used to give me a birthday party or do something for me when I was using, I consistently told them I was too old, or what ever.
Learning how to accept gifts to me is as hard as giving. Think in my life they are directly related. kind of like trying to feel forgiveness when I'm still pissed off? If that makes sense.
