One of the hallmarks of addiction is exhibiting a self-centered personality. While we were active, we were extremely self- absorbed individuals. We often said, “why should I help him out, he never helped me out”. Everything was measured. Tit for tat. In our minds, most of the rest of the world came up short. When it came to getting our due, the world owed us. When it came to helping others, we always had an excuse. Either the person had never done anything for us, or the scales were balanced in our favor so service was not called for; or we were too busy with “important” life tasks. We thought that by helping you in some way we were becoming less independent and less autonomous.
Today we know better. Helping others is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength. It demonstrates that we are healthy enough to feel good about ourselves and at the same time have some energy left over to assist one of our fellows.

Personal Reflection: Have I been practicing this brand of humility?