I'm 3.5 months clean today..Does anyone have any advice on how I can start sharing in meetings, or even at group in the recovery house Im at? Ive lived in addiction for the last 20 years, i have a lot of experiences and stories that I would like to be able to share with ppl, and to feel like the ppl around me can know me a little better.. but every time I go to open my mouth and my mind goes completely blank and I have no words. any advice on how to break down this wall I feel trapped behind?
Say your name, and just talk like your talking to God. Close your eyes if you have to. That moment is for you. Say what you have to how you have to. It's to keep you from being sick. Holding this in is toxic. Bad for body and mind. If it's a feedback group be prepared got comments and discussion. Those can be nice because it shows people are paying attention to you and that you are herd. But if it's not, just talk. About what your proud of, your progress, your aspirations what your working on what u are needing and what you've learned. It's all for you. Say whatever, laugh cry complain, whatever. Just say anything. If you are nervous sag that outloud. It's your time for you and it's 100 percent necessary for you if that's what u want! Good luck. And don't be worrying about what ppl think, we didn't give a s*** what people thought in our addiction, so don't put too much weight in being socially validated. Remember, it's a room full of druggie and drunks lol
we understand.
When I first started sharing I would go 2nd or 3rd because you don't have to be first and break the ice, and it's so early that everyone is barely listening to you because they're trying to think of their own share, lol
My sponsor encouraged me to share my day count and how I was feeling or what was going on in the beginning. That and volunteering to read something during the meeting. It was usually How It Works or The Promises. The more I did that, the more comfortable I got with sharing. Also, just listening is good too!
I have found myself in meetings and not knowing what to say, or how to feel less of the anxiety of the people in the rooms but the thing is they are just like you they don’t know what to say or how to jump in and participate either here’s your thing when you’re in a meeting you listen for things that protect to you like if you’re having the same issues problems or concerns going on with a situation in your life, then you’re able to jump in and speak and that way allow someone to give you specific feedback on the situation, but they cannot speak specifically to you this only on the situation at hand that way they’re not pouring fingers and as you know in the group, they tell you not to speak on a person, but the speak on the situation
I find that when I have the hardest time sharing, it is because I’m trying to either impress others, or trying to say something that sounds good. If I just don’t overthink it, and say what’s on my heart/mind without worrying about what others may think, it works best.
Just start. Don’t worry about what others think. In my early sobriety I could barely talk. More like shaky mumbling
. It’s about starting and intention.
I’m here if you want to talk
Do be hard on yourself I know it’s easier said then done but as everyone s mentioned share your day count share how your day is going share your truth and remember we are not saints we all want the same thing and even when fear steps in remember no one in that room or here wants you to drink or use today or any day