It’s nothing new that people will often ask for advice. Everyone has problems from time to time. I know I have. And if my sponsor or others had the right experiences in their own lives, they might have offered suggestions on what worked for them.
Usually it was something to do with my sobriety. More than often what I asked did have something to do with me staying sober, so it was fitting that they did. But at other times it wasn’t. And that’s when I began to learn for myself what to do.
On more than one occasion the only advice I was given was to go to someone, who knew what they were talking about. I was told to go to a doctor or a lawyer, or someone who knew about accounting. On one occasion I was told I needed a therapist and a spiritual director. All of them the proper advice. Thank those old timers and my Higher Power that I followed their advice.
The reason I was thinking about this was that I was asked for advice. I knew the circumstances of the person I was talking to. Something which I was familiar with over the years. But this time, even though I had my own thoughts, I knew that it was time to refer this person to someone, who would know the answer. In fact I made two suggestions.
I not only remembered my own experiences, but the BB makes the same suggestion. I knew when I was asked that this was the time. Like I said I had my own thoughts, but I also knew I wasn’t qualified to be giving advice at this moment. Taking such a risk is not only questionable at times, but could very well be hazardous.
What my sponsor often said to me came to mind. I might think I know, but I’m sure I didn’t. I just thought I knew. But a moment of caution hit me.
This too has to do with sobriety. The other person’s and mine. Giving the wrong “directions” could cost someone their sobriety. When in doubt don’t. It’s not just “playing it safe”. It’s the right thing to do.
Later, when I had time to think about this experience, I remembered my own experiences and that of others. The truth is that there are others, who are qualified to not only answer our questions, but they can actually help us.
Like I said, when it comes to problems with our program, that’s another question where many of us can help others. And if we can’t there are others in this program, who can. After all we’re all here to help the sick and suffering alcoholic. The alcoholic, who suffers. At least we can try.
If they want the help.
Anyway I stopped and thought about giving advice. Directions are another thing, which aren’t always welcomed by many of us. Suggestions are always helpful. They were for me. They kept me sober.
Come to think about it, those old timers didn’t always make suggestions. They definitely were directions. I must have taken them, because I’m still here following them.