When I first came into the rooms,I reaLLy didn't quite get that statement.
But as it is written in our BASIC Text 5th Edition pgs xv-xvi is where our predecessors start expressing the purpose of the book and the program.
This is a WE program, whether WE go to actual physical meetings or go to an online meeting it is WE who deliver the message of freedom from active addiction.
The most important person at a meeting is the newcomer, We can only keep what We have by giving it away!!! This means not just saying "HI" or giving them a hug but sharing our Experiences-what brought us to the rooms,what keeps us coming back ; Strengths- discovering we are not alone, there's a power greater than ourselves ; and Hope- if they (me, you) can do it maybe this might work for me (majority of us have made or thought that very idea).
So many of us don't share (yes,I am guilty of this too), that's why I came up with it , I am responsible for carrying the message of recovery. So if you have none, little,or even years of recovery please share,not for just the newcomer for yourself as well.
WE not ME can recover , this is a program of unity!!!!
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I'm Catherine & I am a recovering addict-just 4 today I can do all things through my higherpower whom I call God; who strengthens me....
Thanks for posting! I am a newbie here and your message gives me hope in others and for myself. I am attending my first NA meeting tonite if I can keep it together emotionally!
Hello Catherine,Blessings to you and all, of this day.It is so true like our 12th step reminds us that at times we may find it hard or were just not feeling very positive to carry the message of recovery and when we do show up we just dump our problems to salve our our feelings and spirits. We are reminded that just purging our problems without tying them somehow to our messgae of recovery or even what our message is doesnt really serve the primary purpose of our groups. By sharing about where we were ,where we went and where we are now, in Narcotics Anonymous working on application of spiritual principles in all areas of our lives ,guided by the God of our understanding and giving back freely what was given to us, we let newcomers and those who been around for few cups of coffee know that we "all" need to hear the message of recovery regardless of clean time, WE will never be fully recovered from the devastation of addiction but WE do recover from a seemingly hopeless state of body and mind,based on a fit spiritual condition,a dailyreprieve, guided by that God and application of spiritual principles into our actions,thoughts and behaviors.The steps do lead to that awakening of our spiritual nature and like it tells us it is evidenced by changes in our lives.WE are also told that the message is "meaningless unless we LIVE it. The evidence of our lives give the message more meaning than words or literature ever could. Complacency is the "enemy'' so when we dont feel like showing up thats the time to really dig in and let that Newcomer" (or others ) know we are that vision of hope ,the exampls of the program working and how we learned to live clean is definitely an attraction to the still sick and suffering!! and also to ourselves!!!!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
I believe in this program ; it has allowed me to overcome so many emotional defects, at the same time remembering I'm human. We just learn to deal with life on life's terms.
Just remember-ONE DAY AT A TIME-and it's JUST FOR TODAY!!!
I'm so greatful in so many ways for N.A. and I know if you stick around you will be too.
Keep coming back it works if you work it. Enjoy the meet!!!
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I'm Catherine & I am a recovering addict-just 4 today I can do all things through my higherpower whom I call God; who strengthens me....
Sharing is what meetings are all about. In my area there seems to be this thing about NOT sharing. It is not uncommon for there to be long periods of silence between shares. I think people think it demonstrates their humility or something. To my mind this is a problem, especially when there are newcomers in the room. They came to learn how to get and stay clean the NA way. They can only learn that by listening to those who came before them. Thanks for starting this thread Catherine, and please keep coming back.
