Into my 4th week of treatment its required that my addiction history is given to my group....which means all the attention is given to me. This is going to be so hard for me because I dont like to be the center of attention...at all... Durning high school if it was speech time you would find me anywhere but the classroom. I am trying to be positive...this is a big part of my recovery, but my nerves flare up just sitting here typing about it. If anyone could send me out some positive vibes tomorrow evening it would be really appreciated. Take Care Nancy Jo
__________________
Life is full of ups and downs
But the faces of love will
ease the pain and suffering
from:My Mother
I really do hope that all goes well for you, but I'm sure that it will. I could really identify with not wanting to be the center of attention. But, you'll be fine.
Lots of positive vibes coming your way.
Take care,
Carol
__________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Hi Nancyjo, From someone who has been through rehab a few times and more, I think you would have a helpful story to tell. Think about it. You have heard other's stories by now more than likely...Did you find them helpful to you? Could you relate to some, if not all, of what someone else said about their trials with addiction? I know for me it helped a lot to know that I was not alone in my feelings and desires, that they are quite natural for an alcoholic or addict. Many people broke down in tears when they revealed themselves, me included. Don't be afraid of anything. There is nothing to fear or lose and everything to gain. Think about how your personal story may just be the one that keeps someone else, even just one person, from relapsing. Would it be worth bearing your soul to make THAT much of a difference to another person who needs help? Get your personal story together in your mind or with notes to speak from, have a seat or stand with those who have gone through this with you, and make the positive impact that only YOU are capable of. Good fortune to you. Love and best wishes in your recovery and to those with you...Tim
-- Edited by timverton at 03:36, 2007-04-27
__________________
"We posess the eyes through which the universe gazes with wonder upon its own majesty."
You are not alone so try and imagine we are all there behind you encouraging supporting and "holding you up". One's voice, in these cases, is a two fold vehicle to recovery. First by revealing "one's self/story" it is releasing all/much of what one has held inside that led them to the destructive patterns of consumption. Releasing is an outpouring of all that has lead to this point and giving one freedom from these things. It is a "help" toward healing and moving into other steps toward a healthier life. Secondly, by doing so, the listener's encouraged supported and given the strength to follow "you"/the speaker in the path of recovery or reach back out to you with all that is needed in your steps to recovery. Give ...... it will be given back. Will say my own prayers for you as well. Best to you, Wanda
Just wanted to say that I'll be thinking about you and well I've been sober for going on 4 years and still get knots in my stomach when I speak in front of a room full of people.
I'm The chair person for our Round up this year and well don't feel nervous now but when the day comes watch out, lol. I'm sure I'll do fine but the thought of more than 30 people in a room just blows my mind.
We all go through this and manage to deal with, this is a way of our higher power saying that we can do this. WE have overcome many obstacles and shows strenght that we can get through all anything with support.
Remember you have people supporting you and that your not alone, it's one day at a time. Let us know how u made out.
Good luck with your talk Nancyjo. Wanda made some really good points there & I think you'll find it for yourself too. I've done 2 main shares since my 6mth mark now & the only way I think I could have done them was to pray&pray&pray&pray beforehand. I used the Step3 prayer & the Serenity prayer. Both really helped me to hand it over & find the right words for each moment. Everyone will be feeling for you & willing you on & it will help them. The love & warmth you'll have during & after will help to heal & make you feel accepted just as you are. Enjoy yourself, feel the fear, pray & do it anyway. It's a fantastic opportunity to grow & pass on too. I wish you all the best for it. Good luck! Danielle x
__________________
Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Hi Nancy Jo. I know that it took me a very long time to be able to talk in front of others. Like you, I would get in front of a class and just shake if I had to do a book report or anything. I just need to remember that most everyone there has gone thru or is going thru the very same anxieties, and once it is done, I'm always so surprised that I was actually able to not only speak, but as I was speaking I was also relaxing and getting a load off of my mind. I remember in treatment, a man came up to me and asked me what I'd do if they took my paper and pen away from me---I could write til the cows came home, but would clam up in group. Finally, the day that I signed papers of adoption for my daughter, I was in enough pain that I spoke. The support was incredible. Just a step at a time...Chris
__________________
"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
