The Feeling When “You Give Your All and Yet it Always Feels as if It Cost You Nothing” – Step 2

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Featured Comment by Adam ::: “I often help clean up after meetings. Chairs away, etc. Washed coffee cups a few nights ago. I always put at least $2 in the basket, one for me and one for someone who can’t pay. I tip well outside of AA every day.”

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Generosity Question ::: “When have you given freely, lately?”

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Thank-You (for the best days of my life) – Dido (3:14)
De Beauvoir Brief Bio (9:37)

Open Heart – Om Namah Shiva Mantra (11:24:56)

Today’s SFZ explores the transformative power of generosity and connection, particularly within the context of recovery and personal growth. Step Two of many recovery programs calls for a belief in a power greater than oneself—a shift away from ego and toward connection. Simone de Beauvoir captures this dynamic eloquently: true generosity feels effortless, even when we give our all. This reflects a central idea in existential and spiritual thought—that freedom and meaning emerge not through isolation, but through active engagement with others.

The quote from It Works, How & Why reinforces this. A single generous act can interrupt our self-absorption and restore perspective. In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl writes that we find meaning in response to life’s challenges, often through service to others. Giving becomes more than altruism—it becomes a spiritual principle that restores wholeness.

Similarly, the Overeaters Anonymous reflection reveals that openness can lead to unexpected friendship. This echoes Henri Nouwen’s belief that healing comes through mutual vulnerability. When we stop excluding others, we discover inner riches. Our hearts open, and healing enters.

De Beauvoir’s quote underscores a paradox. When generosity is authentic, it does not deplete us—it expands us. Thomas Merton wrote that love is not a finite resource; it grows the more we give it away. In recovery, this kind of giving becomes a path to renewal.

Thus, the feeling of giving without loss reflects a spiritual truth: when rooted in love, generosity liberates both giver and receiver. This is the quiet miracle of Step Two.

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Comments

4 responses to “The Feeling When “You Give Your All and Yet it Always Feels as if It Cost You Nothing” – Step 2”

  1. E-dawg Avatar
    E-dawg

    I remember all the times when people have helped me out while I thought I was a burden to them… and yet they were smiling and seemed to be enjoying giving me the help that I needed at that time… so that goes back to the old saying how can I keep it if I don’t give it away… so when I am able to help somebody else out, it actually helps me more than it does the other person…

  2. Sabrina J Avatar
    Sabrina J

    Blessings to us all. I make an effort every day to do something unseen. Wash an extra plate, Put away something that has been left out. Say a kind word to someone that might feel lonely. Character is what we do when no one is watching. Equally, its not something I try to expose or seek praise from. I am grateful to participate and be included and happy to give that which I have.

  3. Br. Buddha Avatar
    Br. Buddha

    Good morning everyone + Happy Thursday. I am part of AA. Although I am one among many, I am one. Through the fellowship of my brothers + sisters, I receive help to build the buried life within me. AA may be human in its origin, but is divine in its purpose. The purpose is to guide me toward God + a better life. I vote for AA. Blessings. BB

  4. Adam Avatar
    Adam

    I often help clean up after meetings. Chairs away, etc. Washed coffee cups a few nights ago. I always put at least $2 in the basket, one for me and one for someone who can’t pay. I tip well outside of AA every day.

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