NEWCOMERS
June 18, from “Strengthening My Recovery” daily reader
“There is great joy awaiting you to watch a frightened or foggy newcomer attend his or her first meeting and watch that person open up.” BRB p.293
“When we arrived at our first ACA meeting, we weren’t sure what to expect. Very nervously, we walked in and found a place to sit anyway. Some of what they read made no sense. Our minds went in and out of focus. The Laundry List got our attention, and people’s shares brought up a bundle of feelings. There were rules about sharing, and we were pretty nervous to make a mistake, so some of us didn’t share. Silence felt safe and familiar. Some of us did share, either simply stating facts, or like a gushing faucet, unable to turn off.
Timidly we wondered, “Could this be our answer?” We attended more meetings. We got to know a few faces and we learned their stories.
We opened up slowly. Now and then, we chatted with members after the meeting or in between meetings by phone. Before we knew it, these people felt like family. We joined together and supported each other as we all recovered from our childhood effects.
When newcomers walk in, perhaps looking dazed and afraid, we smile and welcome them while remembering we were once in their shoes.
On this day I will remember how I felt when I started ACA. I admire my courage and dedication, just as I do for everyone who walks in the door of my meeting.”
My Experience:
I absolutely love seeing newcomers in our meetings. I can relate to where they are and love seeing the release in them when they realize this is the place they need to be, these are their people, and there is finally a place they can tell their story and not be judged because these folks understand. There are often tears that come with this release, and I totally get the tears. It warms my heart to see these folks have a breakthrough moment, I know I received a lot of love when I had mine and I try to do the same for as many newcomers as I can. Welcome!
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