I am having trouble pasting the JFT reading into this message, so it will be brief:
"A simple, honest message of recovery rings true." NA Basic test, p. 51.
Our sharing doesn't have to be fancy or funny to ring true. Every addict working an honest program that brings meaningful recovery has something of immense value to share, something that non one else can give: his or her own experience.
March 19, 2011 Something valuable to share Page 81
"A simple, honest message of recovery from addiction rings true."
Basic Text, p. 51
You're in a meeting. The sharing has been going on for some time. One or two members have described their spiritual experiences in an especially meaningful way. Another has had us all rolling in the aisles with entertaining stories. And then the leader calls on you... gulp. You shyly introduce yourself, apologetically stammer out a few lines, thank everyone for listening, and sit out the rest of the meeting in embarrassed silence. Sound familiar? Well, you're not alone.
We've all had times when we've felt that what we had to share wasn't spiritual enough, wasn't entertaining enough, wasn't something enough. But sharing is not a competitive sport. The meat of our meetings is identification and experience, something all of us have in abundance. When we share from our hearts the truth of our experience, other addicts feel they can trust us because they know we're just like them. When we simply share what's been effective in our lives, we can be sure that our message will be helpful to others.
Our sharing doesn't have to be either fancy or funny to ring true. Every addict working an honest program that brings meaningful recovery has something of immense value to share, something no one else can give: his or her own experience.
Just for Today: I have something valuable to share. I will attend a meeting today and share my experience in recovery from addiction.
As a newcomer, it takes alot to open up, especially when there are those who share deep spiritual or funny experiences before me. Sometimes I am sharing just so I can hear myself say what I'm thinking, if I hear myself say it, it makes it more real to me. So I guess a lot of my shares are more for me than others in that regards. Usually when I am done, I look to a couple of the people I know best, and they nod their head and smile, or come up to me after the meeting and say good share, thanks. This gives me confidence to continue to share at future meetings. Peace
