WHAT I LEARNED: 1. What are the benefits of service?  Let me count the ways…  Or you can just let this booklet count ’em for you!  It’s 60 pages filled with stories from members regarding Step 12 (the carrying the message Step).  Beginning with addressing different types of fears, it eventually culminates with covering each of the 12 Traditions over the last 20 pages.

2. The only problem I have is that it’s called service work.  Well, why would I want to do more work?!  I’d rather have fun & this topic never once came up in the booklet as a benefit. 😦 …I can think of no better means of attraction in this program (or in life) than having something be fun! 😜

3. My sponsor never pushed doing service, the only thing she said was: “Anytime someone in Al-Anon asks you to do something, say ‘yes’.”  For basically a one-sentence suggestion, it has turned out to be one of the most meaningful things she’s ever said.

4. I have 2 favorite lines from this booklet:

From page 29: “Increasingly, I see participation & service not as ways of perfecting my abilities or my knowledge, but as ways of learning to accept my imperfect performance.”

From page 55: “We have the opportunity to contribute not only what we can do but, more important, who we can be.”

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**UPDATE (8/16/17): “When I Got Busy, I Got Better” is now featured on Episode #11 of my “CAL Chat” podcast where this booklet is discussed even further!