Sharing at an AA meeting can be intimidating for many people. However, it’s an essential part of recovery and can help you connect with others in the group.
Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to make it easier to share at your next meeting. These tips can help you share your experiences in a way that inspires and helps those around you.
Often, the best way to share is to plan ahead of time. Planning your story out can help you focus on the key points and make sure you don’t ramble or get off topic. This also means you can practice your talk in front of a loved one or friend, so that you’re comfortable with it when it comes time to give it at the meeting.
It’s important to remember that your goal is not to impress other people; you should be completely honest with them. This will make them more likely to trust you and listen to what you have to say, which is a big step in AA!
Groups typically hold meetings in various formats, including online, in-person and on the telephone. These may include readings from the Big Book or a discussion of one or more of the Twelve Steps. Some groups devote several meetings a week to studying the Steps. Others focus on studying the Traditions, and a few also meet to discuss the Big Book.
The best part of being in a sober group is being able to share openly. AA meetings are a communal event, which means everyone has a chance to share their stories of triumph over addiction. This is a win/win for all involved. It’s also a time to remember the rules of etiquette. Besides, if you have the right attitude, sharing is a natural extension of your sobriety. The most important thing to remember is to be yourself and to not judge your fellow members by the quality of their sobriety. You are bound to make some new friends along the way.
If you’re not sure what to expect at your first Aa meeting, it may help to show up ten minutes early and introduce yourself to the moderator or chairperson. They will likely be happy to help you feel more at ease and get oriented with the group.
Aa meetings are generally conducted in various formats depending on the preferences of the group members. Some groups hold meetings in-person, while others meet online or over the telephone.
Whether closed or open, an Aa member serving as leader or chair opens the meeting in the usual way and selects a topic for discussion. For many topic meetings the background derives from Aa literature, including the Big Book, the Twelve Steps and Traditions, As Bill Sees It and the Aa Grapevine.
During the discussion portion of the meeting it is important to stay close to the topic and not go off in a different direction. This includes avoiding topics that may be personal or promoting personal beliefs. It is also discouraged to cross talk or to give feedback to the speaker while they are speaking.
Sharing at AA meetings can be an incredibly helpful experience. It can help you bond with other members, destigmatize substance abuse, and even serve as a source of inspiration.
However, it can also be intimidating or anxiety-inducing for a lot of people. It’s important to be respectful of others when you share at an AA meeting.
If you’re not sure what to share, you can always start by talking about your personal recovery journey and how you came to AA. It’s okay to mention moments when you were at your lowest, but avoid sharing stories that make you look weak or shameful.
You can also use your time to talk about the steps, traditions or the Big Book. You can even read aloud pertinent material to the group, which can be a helpful way to help other members get familiar with the material.
