Self-Help or Mutual Aid?

Assisting Others
The Twelve Step movement is sometimes called a self-help program. This falls short of describing what it really is. Mutual aid might be a better term.
Self-help implies that an individual will help himself or herself. Mutual aid is a much different sort of thing. With mutual aid, we do help ourselves, but we have found that the best way to do this is by helping each other. Self-help says, “I can do it,” whereas mutual aid says, “We can do it.”
We should not dismiss the idea of self-help or of doing one’s best in achieving self-improvement. We must know, however, that we need the assistance and loving help of others for our highest growth. There are times when we will feel helpless and alone. That’s when mutual aid will carry the day for us and perhaps even save our lives.
I’ll realize today that I have a bond with others, and that I can achieve my highest good only in mutual service with them.
You are reading from the book:  Walk in Dry Places
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Source: Recovery Is Sexy.com - December 10, 2013 Category: Addiction Authors: Sparrow Tags: 12 Step Fellowships Adult Children of Alcoholics Al-anon Alcoholics Anonymous Assisting Others Mutual Aid self-help Source Type: blogs