New Sponsee wisdom

[flying fiddler]

Hello all,

I was asked today to sponsor a guy, who's last drink was last night. I have to be honest, I have not sponsored before. although I have many years of sobriety, many of those years spend "dry" not working the program. I have returned to AA in the last year and a half, have a sponsor and have worked the steps humbly and honestly.
So the miracles continue, i now a have a sponsee. I have checked in with my sponsor about this, as well as a trusted member.
I thought I'd put it out on the forum as well, for any input, wisdom on those early first meetings with a, most likely, still toxic alcoholic.
I know it is not a good place for me to do these things on my own, nor do I have to. I am a member of AA, the fellowship, and I always need to remember to ask for help. so that is what I am doing.

Thanks in advance.

John

[Dallas]

Congratulations John! I hope he keeps you busy.

The best instructions I've found is -- from being sponsored.
And, in reading & studying The Dr.'s Opinion and Chapter 7, Working with others.
And, then, all the mistakes I've made. LOL.

The great thing with sobriety and recovery is: It's not rocket science.
We suit up. Show up. Do the deal. And, then share w/ someone what we did and how we did it.

I think it's great that you got a sponsee. It's been my experience that this is the best way to grow!

Best wishes.
Dallas

[flying fiddler]

Thanks Dallas.
I'll be meeting with him this morning. keep you posted!
John

[Dallas]

I hope all goes well.

[flying fiddler]

Well, I haven't heard from my Sponsee in a week, and can only guess that he is not yet willing to go to any length to get it.
I reflect back on myself, how when I'm really desperate I'm "willing" but when things settle down a bit that willingness tends to diminish. This is something I need to be aware of and work on a daily basis. Asking god for help every day is one way for me to stay humbled enough to stay willing.
I guess I learned a little something from this Sponsee, even when he has gone off the radar!

Thanks for letting me share

[Dallas]

Maybe he's just sleeping. Or, working over-time, and there's no phone where he works. LOL.

[Toast]

I had a new sponsee for a short while last year who eventually fell off the radar.

A month later his very angry dad called me at work to give me a piece of his mind.

He said that advice i gave his son to taper himself of the booze by only drinking half a bottle of vodka per day just wasn't working?

No wonder God loves alcoholics, there's never a dull moment!

Be well.

[Dallas]

I call those "Sponsor/Sponsee For A Day" moments.

If they don't approve of what you suggest -- they look for a sponsor that will validate their wrong beliefs.

[flying fiddler]

well, he's still missing in action. Guess he's got it all figured out..