Meetings

I never share at meetings. It’s like I have a mental block. My brain literally just shuts down and I have no thoughts if my own to share. This is very frustrating to me because I want to give back to others as I learn so much from other peoples shares. Will it just come to me one day? I pray it will come to me soon with ease and grace. Any tips? I alway say my name and that I’m an alcoholic and that I’m grateful to be there. But that’s it. I’m all in when it comes to my sobriety and recovery. Why is it so difficult for me to open up to the group at a meeting ?

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Listening is sharing. You will share when you're ready. What I did was just start sharing what I was thankful for. Something like..." HI my name is Bobby R. and I'm an addict. I thank my higher power for giving me the strength and courage to make it through another day clean. Thank you for letting me share."

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Nothing in recovery is easy and all the prayer in the world isn't gonna make it happen. Just jump right in, but when you're ready, like Bobby said. Nobody is gonna judge you. And keep what you said in mind, that you wanna help other people. Sometimes, for some of us, we reach out to help others before ourselves and in turn help ourselves. So don't overthink it. You'll know when it's time. Also the more you get to know people in the room, the less weird commenting feels.

Comment when you really have something to add. At one of my meetings, the same person comments every time, long winded ramblings that seem like they are giving a lead because they talk abiut themselves so much. Nobody needs that hahaha

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I just shut up and listen

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Almost 2 yrs into it, I still say very little in meetings. The little I do say is slowly becoming more comfortable. And I don't believe the others are judging me like I used to think. It's another this too shall pass thing I believe

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I love this ‘listening is sharing’ thx

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I also have that same problem but I just let it go a short time before I talk to “claim my seat” what comes out first does not really matter but it kinda primes the pump so to speak. You can talk about a step or a daily reflection, and you don’t have to cover everything. You’ll get better at it.

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Eventually I stopped trying to explain everything and just shared.

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Our stories disclose in a general way, What we used to be like, What happened and What we are like now.
It’s your share Megan, there’s no right or wrong only your truth.
We are people who are loaded with self centered fear and public speaking is hard for anyone let alone an addict or alcoholic trying to be vulnerable.
Ask your HP during the quiet time to hear his message and if it’s his will to give you the words that may help someone.
You got this, :heart::pray::heart::hugs:

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I’m a social butterfly but when all eyes are on me to share on xyz… freeze no eye contact mumble and say either something to say something or I miss the point.

It’s okay. Sometimes I have something to say but I choke on my words like seeing my first crush in school say hi. :nerd_face:

In time you’ll voice will be the beacon of hope someone needs. It just takes time.

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Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, perhaps that is what is holding you back. One thing to keep in mind is that it really isn't public speaking at all. Public speaking is when you talk to strangers you don't know anything about. In AA, you are in a way family. In fact almost better than family, because no one is allowed to judge, cut off, or criticize what you have to say. Feel free to open up, there is no worst case scenario by doing so.

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That’s ok.
As long as it keeps you sober, it’s ok.

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Have you tried writing something down and reading off of it?

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Same. It took me months to get comfortable enough around the people in order to share ❤️‍🩹

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