So I'm going to be a speaker at an AA party

[flex]

One of the groups out in Eagle River (about 20 minutes from Anchorage) has asked me to be their speaker at their After-Christmas party.

Any suggestions on a topic?  lol  Besides what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now.

[krisandgrace]

Fear is always a good one, I always hear a lot of good things when that is discussed.

[flex]

This isn't a discussion meeting--it's a speaker meeting. I'm supposed to talk for about an hour.

But fear was definitely a part of my life, so I agree--fear is a good topic.

[btay]

Guilt is a big issue for my H, so maybe something on that

[malibu]

How about honesty? I see a huge recurring theme in the posts here and other places about the lying and mistrust that happens when an addict is actively using and what it does to their family.

[arch01]

Dec 23, 2014 22:58:06 GMT -5 toriwc said:

Life in recovery can be good, fun, etc.

What others have already mentioned too.

I agree with this. Finding the "new normal" is hard, but it can be fun, too. It's also a good way to reconnect/start mending relationships. DH and I have had some good times doing new things lately.

[flex]

Yes, for the newcomer it's like "I'm never going to have fun again" or even "How am I ever going to get laid?" I've heard that more than once in meetings. lol

[flex]

Before speaking at a speaker meeting, I always think "am I going to be able to fill in the whole hour?" But then I wind up running short on time. lol

[spedrunner]

I would personally want to hear all the things you mentioned flex (what it was like before, during, now)

also I would be interested in knowing your final "aha" moment, when You realized enough was enough

[flex]

I wish I could say that there was a specific "aha" moment for, but there wasn't. I got tired of fighting the cold, hard fact that alcohol was interfering with my life, and then later on I realized I would never "outgrow" it or that my alcoholism would go away. I simply could not drink like a normal person--ever. And all that all took time. What really got me motivated to get sober was that I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I'll be speaking to a lot of people who already know this, so I hope strike a chord with any newcomers who may be in attendance.

[spedrunner]

flex
How did it go??

[flex]

It's tonight. : )

[flex]

So it went great. DS#1 and GD went too. I'm so used to these things taking 45 minutes that I wound down my speaking at just the right amount of time. A good time was had by all.


ETA: Oh and you know what's really cool?  One of my co-workers was at the party.  She has 86 days clean and sober!  I'm so happy for her!  And her sponsor is a good friend of mine, so I know she's in good hands.  lol

[spedrunner]

thanks for the update Flex! I knew you'd do great. I am glad that you felt positively about it. I am sure you helped others in many ways !

[lexxasaurus]

I've been really moved by a few speakers, I just think hearing an experience you can relate to in some aspect, some way, makes a world of difference in someone who's struggling. I'm so glad the meeting went well, and I'm happy to hear about your coworker!