Today I want to talk about the hope that I have when it comes to workaholism – this costly disease. I’ve been brought to my knees by my own workaholic ways. And what I’m about to share is a hope-builder. We’ve already looked at a few lists that show the reader “Wow, I think I’m a workaholic!” or “I can relate to that!” Now I’m going to focus on the hopeful part. Not just the problem, but the solution. These are the promises of Workaholics Anonymous:
If we are completely honest about ourselves and together we use the Twelve Steps of Workaholics Anonymous and the Tools of W.A. in our lives, we will soon begin to receive these gifts of sanity and balance:
1. We are not obsessed by work or plagued by work aversion.
2. Adrenaline seeking loses its hold on us. Excessive worry and anxiety become a thing of the past.
3. We have a daily plan of action that faces the reality of time, priorities, health, and relationships.
4. Fears that there won’t be enough time, money or love leave us.
5. We learn to play and have fun together.
6. We repair broken relationships and form new ones.
7. Health and self-nurturance return.
8. Self-seeking and ego inflation do not drive our decisions.
9. We lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in and compassion for our partners, families, co-workers, and friends.
10. We experience how well the tools of the program help us handle problems which used to confuse and defeat us.
11. We ask for help and reach out to help others.
12. We find that our Higher Power helps us in a way self-reliance never could.
Are these extravagant promises? (In the W.A. meetings I go to, the people in the room respond to this in a liturgical manner with the answer) We think not. They are already happening in the lives of many among us. For those of you who are new to our fellowship, there are no problems that you have experienced that are not common to us. We welcome you with the deepest respect. When we apply this program with honesty and compassion, a place of serenity grows in us one day at a time.
As a side note (and this is my own opinion), isn’t this cool? I mean, someone has really thought this through. While there are some in the religious community that have some real misgivings about 12-step recovery groups in general. I doubt I can make you feel settled about the matter, but did you notice how there is a sense of “be yourself” and “you are deeply respected?” This helps create a safe environment where healing can take place. And notice how part of the healing process is helping others? Isn’t that the way truth and love act? Part of our healing comes in sharing with others. God put us on this planet for a purpose. Today it might be encouraging that one person in that one way. A smile or a small act of kindness can sometimes be a huge, big and warm thing. I think God is pleased when we help those around us. I really do.
Comments