Thought for today:
Sometimes people nearest to us seem to cause money to leak out of our spending plan like water through a sieve. Family members with special needs or problems present a compelling case to us, and it seems important to help. And yet we have a nagging feeling that there is no end in sight. What to do?
A member describes being on the receiving end of this kind of help.
“My knee-jerk reaction to all problems was to ask for a handout from my parents, siblings and friends. Eventually everyone was tapped, and my ‘credit’ was no good any more.
“It was then that I faced facts and downsized my lifestyle. I sold the house I had so proudly owned, and moved into a small apartment. Now I ‘live within my means, yet my means does not define me’.
“I have been solvent for seven years, That wouldn’t have happened if the family continued bailing me out. Facing my fears of being destitute and testing my inner strength (my Higher Power) saved my life.
“DA was there to guide me. The members knew my ‘motis operandi’ and could help me find ways to deal with seemingly insurmountable debt.”
Helping, but with limits:
If we can help our children and care to do so, we must be cautious. If we give, we should give with eyes open.
First, we talk with our sponsor, and we have a Pressure Relief Meeting to discuss how to help. If the group feels the help is warranted, we go ahead with care.
We treat it as a gift. We don’t loan money. We don’t create an unhealthy dependency. We don’t give out of a sense of guilt.
We try to help the person find their answers. We’ll have coffee with them. We explore options for increasing their income, returning to school, or connecting with help (other than us) to turn to.
Ask:
When I give am I giving with clarity or with guilt? Why?
Meditation for today:
I will wait to see a clear mission before I spend my money and time on what may or may not be a worthy cause. I will consult with my sponsor and my Pressure Relief Group before making a major action.
Affirmation for today:
“I see clearly how to achieve the goals I have set for myself.”
A Currency of Hope
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