It does not surprise me to find that the majority of us are too busy working on ourselves to be of much use to others. That’s been my story for years now! Recovery intensifies feelings which consume my time and thoughts and it takes years to reorganize life out of the insanity of my past. Along with the work of recovery, selfishness and low self-esteem have kept me from sharing much of what I have to offer others on this road of recovery. The selfishness and low self-esteem have less of a stranglehold on my life now, thanks to a gracious Higher Power and the Portland SA Fellowship. Though my self-debasing feelings are not completely in check, my desire to open up to others is increasing.

Things I see along the path of recovery are not unique to me. Perhaps that is part of the reason it helps to share my glimpses of sanity out of my fog of wreckage past. Others might read and exclaim, “Aha! We are not alone!” or may see with me some things along the way in a slightly different light and be comforted. Still others may find a safe place to know and be known. And possibly, if for no one else but me, I find a safe place to express myself in a way I can feel good about. So to those of you serving the Fellowship through the Essay, I wish to say thank you. Keep up the good work and “do not grow weary in well-doing.”