The Car, the Meeting, and the Bondage of Self
There’s a concept in Alcoholics Anonymous that speaks directly to the heart of recovery: freedom from the bondage of self. It comes from the Third Step Prayer, where members ask to be relieved of the self-centeredness that so often fuels addiction. Many alcoholics, especially in early recovery, find themselves consumed by their own thoughts—worries, wants, comparisons, and ego-driven decisions.
I once heard an American AA member share a story that captured this beautifully. He was thinking about buying a new car. Not because his current one was broken—but because, deep down, he felt it would make him feel better about himself. He mentioned it to his sponsor, who simply said:
“Why don’t you take your current car and go pick up a few guys from the rehab centre and take them to a meeting?”
So he did. He picked up three recovering alcoholics, drove them to a meeting, and along the way they had a great chat. The guys were grateful. The meeting was meaningful. And by the end of the night, the driver realized something:
He didn’t need a new car.
He needed purpose.
He needed connection.
He needed to get out of his own head—and into service.
This is the quiet power of AA’s principle of service. It’s not just about helping others. It’s about getting free from yourself. When you show up for someone else, you stop obsessing over your own image, your own problems, your own ego. You become useful. And in that usefulness, you find peace.
PART V SURRENDER
About Jason Bresnehan
Jason is the founder of Evahan, a consultancy dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build both financial and legacy wealth. With over 30 years of leadership across sectors and continents, he brings commercial acumen, strategic insight, and lived experience to every engagement. His work spans business transformation, venture management, and M&A, always grounded in a belief that ideas—shared with clarity, balance, and respect—can improve individuals, families, communities, and society.
A strong advocate for freedom, limited government, and enterprise-driven progress, Jason also draws deeply from his personal recovery journey—an experience that reshaped his life and fuels his commitment to growth, contribution, and principled living. Through writing, speaking, and service, he continues to learn, share, and speak with purpose.
I can be engaged (on a remunerated or volunteer basis) to sit on Boards, Committees, Advisory and Reference Group Panels, and to speak to Business, Community, and Youth groups. I’m also open to providing comment to media on topics where I have relevant experience or insight. Please feel free to make contact.