About seven months ago, I called to check in on my social security benefits. They were the sum total of my income, and I was getting some indications that there was an issue. The fact that I called to determine the status of my benefits is a direct result of being in FA. Prior to entering this amazing program, I let most things slide, which generally didn’t help my situation. For example, I remember receiving a summons to appear in court prior to FA. I didn’t go because it seemed scary. As a result, my disability benefits were suspended because of my failure to appear in court.
Thankfully, FA is teaching me to show up for life events, even if they are uncomfortable. After making several FA phone calls, my courage was such that I could call Social Security. Even though it was not my favorite way to spend a Monday morning, FA has taught me to look for the good in every situation, and to remain calm and kind in my interactions. With the help of my Higher Power, I asked intelligent questions and documented each individual’s response.
After several phone calls and emails, I determined that there was indeed a possibility that I would lose my benefits. I was very concerned and knew that I needed to talk with my sponsor so that my fear wouldn’t grow. Additionally, I made several phone calls to FA fellows. It was such a comfort to talk with people that I have grown to know, love, and trust over the years of being in recovery. Conversations with my fellows helped me to get some distance from my concerns and gave me hope that my Higher Power would help me through this situation just as my Higher Power had guided me through so many others. Thus fortified, I was able to move on with my day, and I didn’t have the urge to damage myself with addictive eating in a broken attempt to mitigate my stress.
Over the next seven months, my Higher Power and my FA fellowship supplied me with the direction and strength required to go through a process of advocation in an attempt to maintain my benefits. My sponsor was instrumental in this process, helping me with paperwork, supporting me, and continually pointing me back to my true goal, which was to stay abstinent so I could receive instruction from my Higher Power.
Although I never want to go through this process again, I have noticed many gifts of FA while advocating for my benefits. For example, since coming into FA, I have not once been evicted, nor have I had all of my things thrown out. Additionally, FA helped me to become more organized financially, and shortly after coming into the program, I began filing my documents. As a result, obtaining documents to help me advocate for my benefits was relatively simple.
A further FA benefit was that I was on very good terms with my caseworker. Working the Twelve Steps in an AWOL taught me how to relate better to people, and I have learned that having a rapport with people can also mean that they are more open to providing assistance when asked. I am extremely grateful, and I know that none of this would have been possible if I were not in FA.
My experience is that my Higher Power uses FA as a means of preparing me for what is coming, supplying me with practical solutions that have positive results, lifting my spirits with the dependable joy of fellowship, and keeping me housed in a healthy body that is operated by a sane mind, which stays connected to a loving Higher Power through daily use of the FA tools.