Been attending na meetings since April this year. I'm having a hard time finding a sponser. I'm very shy so I haven't ventured to meetings in other towns and it seems there just isn't enough people in my town with enough clean time that I can relate with. I read and study a lot, but I know me. I think like an addict and I need guidance with working the steps. I'm going to keep seeking to find a sponser but can anyone give me suggestions on what to write about for the first few steps. I feel like I have a good understanding of them but I have a lot of self doubt.
Someone at a meeting told me their sponser told them to look in the mirror in the morning and say I love you to yourself. Is that part of working the steps? I can't seem to manage to do that....cause, I don't. But I don't want to die either and I surely will if I don't stay clean. Just for today, one day at a time.
Seems to be the topic of the moment around here, lol. Sponsorship and step work. Welcome mamaw! Like we've all said in a previous post, working the steps solo isn't the best of ideas, but is better than not doing them at all. There is a workbook you can get for AA steps, so I imagine there is for the NA steps also.(google it ) My home group does a womens step study on Thursdays, so I found that to be really helpful while I was inbetween sponsors. Perhaps there's something like that in your area. A popular request, is to grab a dictionary and look up the meaning of the words in each step. It helps you analyze and hopefully identify how each step applies more personally to you. You can then write about it in a sobriety journal. Keep your eyes and ears open, because finding a good sponsor is so very important.
working the steps solo isn't the best of ideas, but is better than not doing them at all
I strongly disagree. the step working guide says "there's probably only one inappropriate way to use these guides: alone". It then further states "We can't overemphasize the importance of working with a sponsor in working the steps." And if that wasn't enough, it also says "If you haven't yet asked someone to sponsor you, please do so before beginning these guides" If your familiar with NA literature then you know that is really strong stuff. Few things are 'suggested' more strongly. the message for you is clear....It's time to get a sponsor. I'll tell you what was said to me when i wondered about choosing a sponsor "Pray to your Higher Power that he put your sponsor in front of you and that you'll know him when you see him." I did that and within a couple of weeks I found the courage to ask a man whose recovery I respected to sponsor me...He is still my sponsor today.
I'll bet there is someone you know who would make an excellent sponsor....pray for the courage and willingness to identify and approach this person...Your HP won't let you down.
Welcome...total agreement with Avid...get a sponsor..pray ...and it will happen..the main thing is to stay willing to go any lengths..I tried relying on self when it came to working steps..I ended up in dope houses..with my meditation books..and the desire...but i continued to use..until "We" came a part of my life nothing changed..keep going to meetings..one will show up..meanwhile keep reading, praying and not picking up..
Thank you all. I am still comming back and still clean. 102 days!!! I agree, I need a sponser. You are right, I need to pray and let my higher power help me find someone.
mamaw ,Congrats on 102 days clean.Just keep connected here post whats on your mind,a sponsor is a person you are going to eventually share dark secrets if you have any and they are going help in the journey to a new life without using.It took me 39 years and 5 or 6 times to get clean .I f I was told about NA years ago I may have been a clean person earlier in my life.This program that is free to anyone saved my life and taught me a new way to live.
Congratulations on your clean time that is a huge process right there.
Sponsorship is important yes. One thing though is that you are attending meetings. If you are sharing your life, that is a big step. I am somewhat amazed that no one has offered to be a temporary sponsor to you yet. Maybe you can even bring this topic up at a meeting if they have a open-discussion.
I am glad to meet you! I am new to this board/site here. I like it very much!
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Just Keep ON KEEPING ON!!!!!!!!!! If we live we are just pretty lucky
) My home group does a womens step study on Thursdays, so I found that to be really helpful while I was inbetween sponsors. Perhaps there's something like that in your area. A popular request, is to grab a dictionary and look up the meaning of the words in each step. It helps you analyze and hopefully identify how each step applies more personally to you. You can then write about it in a sobriety journal. Keep your eyes and ears open, because finding a good sponsor is so very important.
