I'll follow up after Saturday
So the standard “suggested” sharing format is: what it was like, what happened and what it is like now.
That seems to help keep me on track during a share. Remember you are under no obligation to share and at times I simply say “I’m just going/am here to listen” then I pass. I suggest you keep right on talking about the solution. I find too many meetings are long on drunk-a-logs and short on solutions.
2 Likes
I agree. There is absolutely nothing wrong with passing and just listening. The worst is when a frequent flyer who often hijacks the meeting by intersecting every goddåmn detail of their day and doesn't even remotely touch the topic. Don't wanna be like that. It's a "we" program, not a "me" program haha.
If I don't have anything to add, I just don't. The point is to be helpful to new people in the room, and to ask for help, when needed.
2 Likes
I agree with you. Go to where you feel love and loved. I try sharing from my heart. It isn't always easy though. I find that when I try to sound good or "recovered" it’s not a good thing. I’m usually not being honest. Share what’s going on in your life.
3 Likes
I love this point - who cares! I think now that I’m sober, I am seeing that I lack more confidence than I realized. But you are right.
1 Like
That's why I stopped going after the 12th meeting. Is the same as in all guy meetings.
I try to bring hope to the newcomers & even old timers that may be struggling. But if I’m struggling or feeling dark about anything, I definitely share, regardless. I go to meetings to bring light and get light. I never worry about AA politics! I’m no good for anyone if I’m not emotionally sober.
2 Likes
Love is a beautiful emotion
1 Like
So the blue chair app is hit or miss as far as letting you know what the format of the mtg is. Speaker mtg could be all speaker and no shares or part speaker part share. You really need to attend to find out. I am glad to share the experiences I have had with specific mtg formats.
1 Like
So I always feel like I never have anything good or wise to tell the newcomers or when sharing at meetings, like my anxiety goes whacko and I start tripping over my words and am all over the place. I hate itttt.. but my sponsor wants me to keep sharing anyway
2 Likes
The pressure is usually in my head. I’ve learned to pray before I share. Asking God to speak through me to be of maximum service.
4 Likes
Like when Louis Tully is possessed by Zuul in Ghostbusters?
I have been to meetings where when large group shares are timed but was always to do share what you feel. At least that’s what I have come across. I wouldn’t stay in a meeting that controlled there are so many others. I mean we are all there for the same reason. We have had people share that they relapsed and are starting over so meeting was turned into a step 1 meeting. I think it about how and who runs the meeting.
1 Like
Hi Amanda: If we “sugar coat” what we share in meetings, we’re actually doing the newcomers a disservice. Recovery is about life on life’s terms. Sure, my life got better when I got clean, but it also got real. When I’m listening to others, nothing moves me like honesty. Thank-you.
3 Likes
That reference went right over my head! 
Yes this is how the format typically is for this particular meeting. At the beginning the chair says we read from daily reflections, so feel free to share on the reading or if you have something that relates to your sobriety and isn’t on track with the reading, feel free to share that instead. I ended up speaking to a couple women from that meeting for clarification and it was helpful.
Yes. Oh no I am not that kind of sharer - it probably took a year into my sobriety just to feel comfortable sharing for more than 30 seconds! At this particular meeting, it’s very small and I happened to be the one with the least length of time in the rooms, so it almost felt like there was this invisible contest between everyone as to who could have the most profound share.
1 Like
I appreciate that you said even the old timers that may be struggling. Never thought of it that way. Thank you Danny.
Think you hit the nail on the head. Thank you Kevin.
1 Like