So tomorrow I "celebrate" 1 year at my home group, though my real date is this Friday. I find I'm a bit anxious and nervous, though I've done comittments at some rehab facilities without a problem and have no trouble sharing at meetings. Plus I speak regularly at business meetings for work, generally a small group of clients but it has been as many as 35 in the past. No problem. Don't know why I'm so anxious about it.
Anyway, though I've heard many celebration shares, I was wondering what the community here likes to hear at these meetings. My hope is to show my gratitude to the program and the members of my home group. And share how my life has changed so much for the better in these last 12 months. I'd rather not prepare anything but would rather "speak from the heart" as it were. I'd love to hear what others think or may have touched on. Thanks, Patrick
Well buddy, you cannot go wrong with experience strength and hope. How it was, how I got here, what I did and continue to do and how it is now. From the heart.
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It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you got. BB
Practice it with your HP and ask for feedback from your sponsor...Biker Bill also mentioned the simple way of doing it. You'll do fine. Congradulations on the year!!.
I once heard someone say that many people end up spending most of their time on their drunkalogs, and that a different approach might be to go into more specifics about what has helped them stay sober so far.
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Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God that which is God's.
Sounds like your in the pocket!! :) I always like to hear a direct message to the newcomer also, letting them know that by gaining a greater understanding of our higher power that we develop by sharing our recoveries with another,we do become visions of hope and examples that the program works,The joy of our living free from active addiction does become an attraction to that newcomer.No matter how long we have been free from active addiction,the newcomer reminds us that only by the Grace of God we could still be sitting there ,wondering what is going on and is this for real and could I do this!!!When God comes in, A simple honest message of recovery FROM ADDICTION always rings true!!Congrats on 1 year ,truly a blessing! FEEL THE LOVE........
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Thanks everyone, very good feedback. Funny, just hearing back from you good people has taken the edge off. This fellowship just amazes me on daily basis.
Ferris...I remember exactly what you are describing...It was like I planned it for a whole year (even though they tell us not to project into the future)...In the end...your home group knows what you did, they know pretty much how you did it....They love you...Just share what is in your heart.
I remember feeling a bit strange the month after my 1 year anniversary...kind of like "now what?" Just remember all the great changes that happened in a year. Slowly, but surely it only gets better with even more time.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
I think you have the right idea. I have always looked at opportunities like this to really focus on the 3d step, turning it over to God and let him demonstrate his strength through you.
You will be amazed at how calm, confident and relaxed you will be, this will speak louder than any words you can say.
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Rob
"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
Thanks agian everyone. Everything went fine. We had eight celebrants, which is a lot for our group. So I had to keep it pretty short. But I hit all the points I wanted to hit. Funny, the secratary forgot to mention me as one of ther celebrants. And since I was up first it gave me a chance ot start with a bit of humor, which always settles me down. I pick him up every Wednesday and have been doing so for about 7 month. And we were in IOP together : )
