I am 20 months sober and am still so scared to death that I might be called on in a meeting to share! I thought this was something that would go away with time, but I think it might be getting worse. I find myself so nervous every morning knowing I'm going to a meeting that night. Any suggestions????
Have you been go'n to meet'ns this whole time??? ... if so, you certainly know there is noth'n what-so-ever to be scared of ... we are simply people sharing the very same problem and helping each other recover from a deadly disease ... Plus, if called on to share, and you don't feel like it, simply say, 'I'd rather listen for now' ... no one will force you to share ...
Love ya and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Many years ago I used to get anxious sharing but through the decades I have instilled a great recovery writing into my sharing with others.
A simple, honest message of recovery from addiction rings true.
Youre in a meeting. The sharing has been going on for some time. One or two members have described their spiritual experiences in an especially meaningful way. Another has had us all rolling in the aisles with entertaining stories. And then the leader calls on you... gulp. You shyly introduce yourself, apologetically stammer out a few lines, thank everyone for listening, and sit out the rest of the meeting in embarrassed silence. Sound familiar? Well, youre not alone.
Weve all had times when weve felt that what we had to share wasnt spiritual enough, wasnt entertaining enough, wasnt something enough. But sharing is not a competitive sport. The meat of our meetings is identification and experience, something all of us have in abundance. When we share from our hearts the truth of our experience, other individuals suffering from active addiction feel they can trust us because they know were just like them. When we simply share whats been effective in our lives, we can be sure that our message will be helpful to others.
Our sharing doesn't have to be either fancy or funny to ring true. Everyone suffering from active addiction, working an honest program, that brings meaningful recovery has something of immense value to share, something no one else can give: his or her own experience.
Public speaking can be trying for anyone,but when we come to grips with the idea our message can definitely help someone(including ourselves) it becomes easier.Keep showing up and sharing to the best of your ability......One helping another in a loving and caring manner!!! Sharing is not a competitive sport!!!
-- Edited by mikef on Friday 6th of May 2016 08:40:46 PM
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Once you get started on sharing, you will want to do it more and more. The 1st time I shared at a meeting, it made feel worthwhile because so many benefited from my story that night. I was usually ignored at most social conversations, but AA embraced me and heard what I had to share. Usually at our Monday night meetings, the shy ones will usually say "pass", but once they get started the chairman will usually have to trim it down. Find a small group with newcomers. You will generally find yourself sharing automatically.
