Hi there, I am really thankfull for the NA program. I ve been clean for 85 days, and started the program 80 days ago. I attend meetings on a daily basis, so far I ve done 100+ meetings. I have a question about sharing in meetings: I know it s all about hope and strength, and of course Just for today. I have good days (even though it scares the shit out of me to admit it) and bad days (especially on those days I learn a lot!) I have a sponsor (he saved my life), I m working the steps (just started step 2), read my liteature, I do service, and made some friends in the fellowship. What strikes me is that whenever there are newcomers (the most inportant person, for sure) that some fellows ask everyone to only share positive thoughts! As said before, it s all about hope and strength, but sometimes I feel miserable and need to share that as well, regardless of any newcomer in the room. I always end my share with positive remarks, being thankfull and such. And having embraced the program does not mean that it s all about lving on a pink cloud! So is it ok to share my frustrations, anger, sadness even when there s a newcomer in the room? What s your opinion? Thanks!
Life and Recovery is like a bed of roses. Beautiful and fragrant and they also have thorns! Absolutely appropriate to share both the ups & down feelings of your Recovery Journey.
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Work the Steps or Die MF. (My Friend :) Clean One Day At a Time by The Grace of God through The Power of NA
....sure Sjef, welcome to NA online. It sounds like you've got the right idea. It's not uncommon for someone to share their sad or difficult times,,,but thanking the program of recovery, sponsor,group for helping them stay clean through the challenges they face.
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...gawd,,,please don't let me -ever- forget why I came here in the first place!!(my 'senility' prayer)
Congrats on 85 days clean. At 85 days, you are still a newcomer.
It is fine to share some of the struggles you are going through as long you also talk about how you are finding or hoping to find solutions in the steps/sponsorship/etc.
You don't want to allow your share to turn into a bitching and whining session. We share experience, strength and hope.
First of all,great work on 85 days clean and making the decision to do whatever it takes to remain free of active addiction.One thing I learned many cups of coffee ago is that we are all"newcomers" to each day,,some may just have been treating themselves a little longer than others.Our literature reminds us "meetings exist to provide a place to carry the message of recovery.Dumping our problems without tying them to recovery or trying to make it clear what the message is doesn't further the primary purpose of our groups.WE carry the message even if we point out that we are having trouble and difficulty and terrible problems but WE are not using over it and we attend meetings and reach out to work on our recoveries" Sharing what is good about recovery to newcomers in the Narcotics Anonymous program is a main focus................Keep up the daily work,remain in that "fit spiritual condition" and give back to the best of you ability.WE always remember,that recovery is more than just abstinence,our goal is recovery through the application of the Program Solution ,THE STEPS,worked with a sponsor.Great work there,getting hooked up early in your life journey.Stick around WE need you....
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
