Post by Susan Peabody on May 28, 2020 13:56:54 GMT -8
Anyway, nice to e-meet you all and I look forward to learning (and teaching as well). LostSailor
These words of wisdom come from a newcomer. He already has the right idea. First you learn and then you teach. This is the essence of the 12th Step.
Why does becoming a teacher help us avoid relapse?
1. It keeps us involved in a program that supports our recovery. In AA, the first thing we do is give up our "drinking buddies." Then we "stick with the winners."
2. When talking to others about recovery, we say things that we did not even know we knew. We say things that we needed to know for ourselves. We say things that show us how far we have come in recovery.
3. We feel good about ourselves when we take on the role of teacher. It elevates our self-esteem
4. To really help our students, we keep our own program updated and fresh. We do our homework so we know we are teaching the right thing.
5. We continue to work with our teacher so we can be a good teacher to others.
6. Teaching is fun. Try it.
7. It keeps us out of trouble.
When I was 8 years old I used to beg my sister to play school with me. I always wanted to be the teacher because it just felt good. I got a teaching credential in 1978 and tried to teach teenagers. This did not work out. Then I started teaching love addicts at Piedmont Adult School and I was really happy to have finally found my calling. Now I am getting older and need some teaching assistants. I will be happy to train you. This program is my legacy and I want it to survive me. This means you and others picking up where I leave off. I love to write, but I am first and foremost a teacher.
Right now we have three teachers. Rose, Sexless, and Love Animals. We need your help.
Addendum
The reason people don't teach and sponsor others these days, is because it is no longer mandated. In AA, in 1982, you had no choice. You were expected to "pass it on," for your own sake. To keep what you were freely given you had to give it away.
Then came the treatment centers. At first they relied on the help of 12-Step programs. Studies showed that the only people who did not relapse switched from treatment to 12-Step programs. Then the treatment programs began to separate from 12-Step programs. Then they tried to leave God out. Then they came up with the idea that you graduate. The ceremony is fun, but what do you do when you get home and have no support? My friend runs a treatment program, but you have to pay for aftercare. Where to the poor people go?
They go back to the inventor of recovery: 12-Step programs. We are such a program and to keep going we need more people to get involved and to stick around after they have read the "experience, strength, and hope," of others on this board. Right now we get one or two newcomers a day. They post once and disappear. This is not good for them or for us.
I know this sounds like a lecture. It is true that this is my favorite kind of teaching. It is like being a parent where your children actually listen. LOL
God bless you all and follow your heart. Do not be shy. You have more to say than you think. If you have one day in recovery you have something to offer. You do not have to come here everyday. Moderation in all things.
Namaste
