Thank you so much for responding. I am very greatful that I made it back. I am excited and scared at the same time with the commitment I have to make too AA. I have always had a hard time sharing in front of a large crowd. My home group is very big and there are some people in there that I really wish were not there. Well, to collaborate a little on that last sentence....there is someone I really don't trust too well in there and it's hard enough that I have to share in front of everyone, but in front of someone who hurt me is another thing. This person had almost three years sobriety and I trusted him.
I would like to know how if anyone has any good advice for me when it comes to opening and sharing in a f2f meeting. I have no problem with a small group but I choke in large rooms...
Also, if someone could help me with some advice about this one person too would be highly appreciated.
I have let go of this person hurting me but I feel that he doesn't need to know how I'm doing or anything about me for that matter...
Just a suggestion here----please remember that you are at that meeting for both yourself and other newcomers. Your share may not only open up things for you, but you may say the one thing that someone else in that room needs to hear to stay sober tonight
I do understand about trust, and being leary of sharing something, we've all gone thru that, I'm sure. But what better statement to yourself and your sobriety to stand up, open up, and open up your heart for YOU. Sc** those that are either sitting in judgement or have their agendas. It's their program they're dealing with, and negativity of that sort is no longer your issue, it's theirs. Someone here used to say " what others think of me is none of my business". Oh, how very very true. Speaking of true, the only person you need to be true to is yourself and your Higher Power. It took a long time for me to open up also, thought I'd throw up in front of everyone---and then found out that most others went thru the same thing and learned to trust enough again remember that it is your program, your sobriety. Hope this helps, Tina. Big reassureing hug to you, Wren
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"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
This is only what worked for me. I didn't share at all in big meetings until I felt comfortable. That was at about a year or so. I did, however, share considerably with my sponsor and a small group of recovering alcoholics that I felt safe with. That was over ten years ago. Now they can't shut me up. Mike in Boston
I always found it hard to share in a meeting, so I pushed myself to go to a weekly meeting were everyone was really encouraged to share. That helped me enormously, but I still find it hard to share at large meetings.
I really agree with what Wren said about being at the meeting for yourself and for any newcomers. That thought helped me enormously and I now find it easier to share. I know that sharing is so very important for me if I am to keep sober. I never want to go back to drinking and a few minutes discomfort is a small price if it stops me from picking up a drink again.
Take care and please let us know how it goes for you, won't you?
Carol
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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
Thanks for your suggestions and you are only right. I needed to hear that I am only there for myself and God.
I love your saying on the bottom of the page. It reminds me a philosophy I live by daily when I look at other religions...Mother Teresa said if you are a Hindu, be a good Hindu...and that goes for all religions..If someone is going to be any religion..just be good and show good.
I think I will take your advice and share when I'm ready because I really do feel I force myself and then I feel fake ya know. I really don't like the saying used in AA...Fake it til you Make It..I don't like to fake anything that is why I can't share I think.
Thank you for being honest. I really needed to hear I am not the only one here because at my meeting newcomers speak up everywhere and I just feel alone as to how I feel.
That was very sweet and yes....I'm wanting to know everyone here and I don't wanna go back to that year and I only want to grow....so I will let you know how I am.
