Ok here is the deal.... I have almost 3 years recovering. Our area NA organization is having its river run camping this weekend. There will be 150 plus people. I was asked to be the speaker on friday. Any ideas on how to keep the speach going? I will talk about my gratitude to NA and my new friends. I will tell them some background on where im at and where ive been. I will speak of things that have helped me stay clean. Any more ideas???
I know when I go to speak... I close my eyes, say a prayer and then just open my mouth.... no plans, no agendas.. just whatever is supposed to come out will.... I'm sure you will do wonderful just have faith in what is supposed to be said will be said :)
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people who mind don't matter, and people who matter don't mind- Dr. Seuss
Write a brief sketch Id say. My experience in sharing at national conventions in two countries has shown me that though we share our own story, planning what we share about ourselves in context of the topic will be important.
Otherwise it becomes a ramble,,,a self-centred, boring thing !!! We have a responsibility in Convention and large gathering sharing and we must remember that we are not in a closed NA meeting, among familiar faces and well tried methods, In our group meetings, usually impromptou, on the spot sort of shares are most appreciated.
But what about larger NA gatherings and sharing in them ? Am I not responsible to keep things in context ? I may not actually write out my share but I need to plan what I want to refer to from my experiences and how I am going to use the time allotted to me..
Comes to mind a Convention/Conference guideline that I learnt not only in my Masters but alos seen in the NA Conventions Guidelines that says "Failing to plan is like planning to fail"
Deciding to do an off-the-cuff sort of sharing actually deprives those present because we can so easily stray away from the topic when faced with so many people. I found that my people pleasing nature gets in the way and I saying things that they want to hear rather than my own true story. What happens is that an off-the-cuff sharing leaves me, the sharer open to reacting to what's going on there and therefore be isolated from ones own experience, strength and hope.
That said, this is my own viewpoint ,, based on what I know and what Ive experienced.
Please remember,, "my gratitude speaks when I care and I share the NA Way !!!!"
And of course,, all the very best of NA Luck to you love,,,,,have a great share, no matter what method you use.
-- Edited by Raman on Thursday 27th of May 2010 02:18:07 PM
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Raman an addict clean and serene just for today in NA Worldwide ; live to love and love to live the NA Way !!!
I have read alot of what I needed to see. I am a very confident person. I will share my story from start to finish. The good and the bad. And all the gratitude I have for NA saving my life. Thanks for all the good comments......
Hey Marigold! step 12 tells us"a simple honest message of recovery from addiction always ringstrue..I always ask God in before I share, more of Him and less of me, but I do try and get a connecting line from one thought to the next before ,especially if asked to share for half hour slot etc ...or I will be babbling like a brook:)Im am sure you will "help" somebody as you ask God in!!Thanks for carrying the message of hope and the promise of freedom from active addiction...
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
Hey Marigold! step 12 tells us"a simple honest message of recovery from addiction always rings true..I always ask God in before I share, more of Him and less of me, but I do try and get a connecting line from one thought to the next before ,especially if asked to share for half hour slot etc ...or I will be babbling like a brook:)Im am sure you will "help" somebody as you ask God in!!Thanks for carrying the message of hope and the promise of freedom from active addiction...
