One of the main aspects of getting connected in a 12-Step program is to find a sponsor that can help you get through the trials and tribulations that recovery brings about. Once you get vested in your recovery, the suggestion is to give back what was so freely given to you. You may not think that you have anything to give back, but you have plenty to offer if you are using recovery tools to stay sober one day at a time. Being a productive sponsor is easy to accomplish when taking on the mindset of full of objectivity.
Guide the way
When you become a sponsor, it can be very easy to think that you need to tell someone else what to do. You should merely guide the way. Use the sponsorship platform to lead someone to do what their Higher Power would have them. Direct them to use their steps to help them to make good decisions through prayer, meditation, journaling, or sharing in a meeting.
Leave them to make their own decisions
If you make a decision for someone that you are sponsoring, you are not allowing them the process of figure things out for themselves. On the other hand, if you happen to make a decision for them that turns out to be something detrimental, you could be made responsible for the wrong outcome.
Be a good listener
Listening has become a lost art. Instead of constantly talking to someone you are sponsoring about what they must be doing, listen to what they have to say. Not only will you figure out where they are coming from, you can show them that someone really does care about them. This does not mean that they need to take up all your time with their problems. You will need to find a healthy medium so that everyone benefits from both sides of sponsorship.
Remember that everyone makes mistakes
There are two sides to every story and you could lose the trust of the person that you are sponsoring if you do take an impartial view to incidents that have happened. When you are picking a side or not encouraging them to use the principle of forgiveness, you are displaying prejudice to someone that you are supposed to be setting a good example for.
Sponsorship can be one of the most rewarding elements of recovery. Let your sponsor’s experience and your Higher Power dictate how you can be an asset for someone that asks you to sponsor them. You may find that sponsoring someone can help you more than you ever thought possible.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center is a 5-week extensive rehabilitation program that can give someone who is struggling with drugs and alcohol a chance at sobriety. Our clinical and medical staff work together to show our clients how to adorn their soul in recovery.
Call us today: 855-652-2683
