THE FIVE "SPIRITS" OF A SUPPORT GROUP

by Bruce Shulz 

With the coming of the holidays, we don't need Jacob Marley to remind us of the importance of staying plugged in to our support groups.  Choosing WLS has already given us the gift Scrooge received from Marley and the "spirits" of Christmas.  We have seen the light and changed our way of life.  However, with extra food and snacks, time constraints, and the added pressures that come with the commitments of the season, it is easy for one to slip back into the habits of our old lifestyles.  The WLS support group gives us "spirits" to remind us not only where we have been, but also where we should be going.  Here they are:

The spirit of "UNITY" reminds us that we need to be of "one mind" when it comes to our journey towards a healthier, fuller life.  Each person should be striving to assist the group in reaching that goal both collectively and individually. 

The spirit of "TRUST" reminds us that each of us need a refuge to share our successes and failures without fear of jealousy or judgement within the group.  The support group needs to be a place of trust where one can share or ask any concerns they may have.  It should also be a place where one can trust that others will celebrate with them when the victories come along.

The spirit of "DISCIPLINE" is always an integral part of a successful support group.  We must always be diligent to maintain the discipline of our new lifestyle.  The group must also exercise discipline in dealing with one another.  A strong group possesses the attribute of helping one another through firm honesty when it is appropriate.

The spirit of "FEAR" is also a healthy component to a successful group.  One needs to be afraid of picking up habits of the old lifestyle.  The group needs to be fearful of not being there for a member when they need assistance.  Fear can be healthy when it is used as a motivator rather than a restrictor.  This season, please don't allow fear to confine you to solitude.  Use the fear you might be feeling as a tool.  Be afraid that a life may not be touched if you don't reach out to them. This principle applies outside of the support group and extends to anyone within your sphere of influence.

The spirit of "VISION" is probably the most important spirit one can cultivate.  A healthy vision allows us to see where we have been.  It also provides us with the gift of seeing where we would like to be.  The spirit of vision as it pertains to the support group allows us to see the needs of other members as well as a means to meet those needs.  Cultivating this vision will enhance the group dynamic that will promote a healthy lifestyle and fuller life to all involved.

As the Holiday season engulfs us all, let me challenge you.  Please accept the challenge of cultivating each of these "spirits" individually and corporately within your WLS support group.  If we can meet this challenge, we will be much like the "new Scrooge".  Each of our lives will be changed, other lives will be touched, and this world will be a better place. 

Last update : Thursday, 29 November 2007

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