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and get caught up in the laughter and fun.
okay, there are certainly a couple ways to go. the conventional, it is after all about the newcomer path, where all is sunshine and lollipops, if only i ALWAYS remember the newcomer, share about my wondrous life since coming to recovery and take them on as projects in everything but name.
or the more cynical tack, is to say, this is the real life, welcome to the fellowship now sit, shut up and listen, because you do not know squat and probably will not for at least 30 days.
of course there is the road that is the compromise between these two extremes. which is the one i try to follow, with one exception: i NEVER worry about how my share will affect others, and although i can be mindful and temper my language, i share what is on my mind, regardless of who it may or may not trigger. it certainly amazes how soft some of the fellowship members have become. i have come to see that there is little benefit to “handling” newcomers as if they are made of of glass and will shatter at the slightest breath of wind. no i believe that it is my job to introduce myself, welcome a newcomer or someone i have never seen before at the meeting and see what is it they need from me. i do not think i NEED to carry them, nor do i think i NEED to shelter them and i certainly do not think i NEED to temper who i am and what i say, because of them. sometimes, i am certainly much sicker than the newcomer and need the insight that only a group of addicts can provide me.
anyhow, i am way off track here, so i think i will just wrap this up and head on out for my busy day, and if the opportunity presents itself, remember that a newcomer or a stranger may just need an extended hand to feel comfortable in the meeting i am going to today.

∞ DT ∞