In time, we can relax and enjoy the atmosphere of recovery.
Basic Text, p. 56
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Imagine what would happen if a newcomer walked into one of our meetings and was met by a group of grim-faced people gripping the arms of their chairs with white knuckles. That newcomer would probably bolt, perhaps muttering, I thought I could get off drugs and be happy.
Thankfully, our newcomers are usually met by a group of friendly, smiling folks who are obviously fairly content with the lives theyve found in Narcotics Anonymous. What an enormous amount of hope this provides! A newcomer, whose life has been deadly serious, is strongly attracted by an atmosphere of laughter and relaxation. Coming from a place where everything is taken seriously, where disaster always waits around the next corner, its a welcome relief to enter a room and find people who generally dont take themselves too seriously, who are ready for something wonderful.
We learn to lighten up in recovery. We laugh at the absurdity of our addiction. Our meetingsthose rooms filled with the lively, happy sounds of percolating coffee, clattering chairs, and laughing addictsare the gathering places where we first welcome our newcomers and let them know that, yes, were having fun now.
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Just for today: I can laugh at myself. I can take a joke. I will lighten up and have some fun today.
Hey everyone, my name is Pete, & I am a grateful recovering addict.. I loved this topic today in the Just For Today book, I definitely would have turned away if I came into a meeting room with a bunch cranky old timers.. Thank God for NA.. I hope to interact with a bunch of you guys here.. Have a great day * Keep coming back.. I Know I will..
I agree ,when I was a newcomer I almost bolted twice in my first meeting.I did not understand why they were happy and laughing .I had this fellow come out and talk me back into the meeting,I stayed ,he gave me his phone number and also a few others phone numbers.That man became my sponsor,I still have him almost 8 years later.Keep Coming Back ,It works if you want it .
