It's so hard to share in a meeting.

My problem is I'm self conscious as to how I look because what you see isn't me. Then when I do try to share, my mind is flooded by what everyone else wants to say that my words are jumbled up.

I'm trying to make my way back.

[Moogieotter]

Just keep listening. No pressure. Do you hear others who share on your wavelength who might make a good sponsor? No pressure there either.

Here's what I would share: "It's hard for me to share. My problem is I'm self conscious as to how I look because what you see isn't me. Then when I try to share, my mind is flooded by what everyone else wants to say that my words are jumbled up. I'm trying to make my way back."

Then just say "Thanks for letting me share."

I think that's a good starting point. Just say exactly what you feel. No one is there to judge.

moogs

I understand your anxiety and find, personally, that I have an easier time opening up at meetings with fewer people in attendance. Also attending the same meeting(s) regularly so I get to know others and feel more comfortable with them.

Originally Posted by newgal2

I understand your anxiety and find, personally, that I have an easier time opening up at meetings with fewer people in attendance. Also attending the same meeting(s) regularly so I get to know others and feel more comfortable with them.

Yes, I can't handle more than 3 people. It's a crowd after that.

[ReneeWedge]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

Yes, I can't handle more than 3 people. It's a crowd after that.

Thant makes perfect sense to me. I get really bad social anxieties around people I know and trust, let alone strangers. There have been times when I have just walked out of a meeting before it has even started becuase I start to feel to panicky. I can barely sit through it let alone share.

[LifeGetsBetter]

When I feel uncomfortable and anxious at meetings, I introduce myself and say I'm grateful to be sober and at a meeting and just pass.

[LifeGetsBetter]

Sometimes I get super-anxious listening to certain people talk at meetings. What they say, the sound of their voice, etc often make me feel like I want to jump out of my skin.

[Saltine American]

Newly sober again. I've been struggling with addiction for almost 10 years now. I have the AA and NA book and they are very insightful reads, if you take it seriously. I can't stand the meetings though. I have severe anxiety especially in social situations and I don't feel comfortable talking, and when it's my turn I just pass. I'm also so afraid I'm going to spot that one shady person that's holding.

[WeDoGetBetter]

Keep coming back! When I got to AA 26 months ago, I was a walking train wreck. I didn't know anybody. I had NO IDEA how to deal with social situations without drugs and alcohol. The people there didn't ask anything of me. They were caring, kind and gentle. Completely opposite of the people I was used to. They told me I didn't ever have to drink again. They were right. I haven't had a drink or drug since I made my first meeting. All I had to do was keep coming back.

[godog]

I feel happy! I get real nervous the closer it gets to me. Like they talk one after another in a circle format, and nobody else says "pass" so I get nervous the closer it gets to me, and feel like I have to meet their expectation. Lots of anticipatory anxiety.

[2B/-2B]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

It's so hard to share in a meeting.

My problem is I'm self conscious as to how I look because what you see isn't me. Then when I do try to share, my mind is flooded by what everyone else wants to say that my words are jumbled up.

I'm trying to make my way back.

Hello AlwaysChanging2... don't worry, it will change.

I was the same. Try sharing a little bit more each time.
My first shares lasted less than a minute.
A good recovery share is to mention any similarities you may have identified with other peoples share, or what the topic reading was about.
Later you may wish to ad your own thoughts about what you identified with.

Remember the AA cliches:
Keep it Simple.
First things First.
One step at a time.
Just for today.
Let go let God.

[LifeGetsBetter]

Many people are anxious and uncomfortable at meetings. We often think we are the only ones who feel that way. It gets easier the more meetings you attend. Finally, you reach a point where you look forward to being at meetings. I stopped caring what people think of me. It is important to get out of and over "your self"

[DelusionsDaily]

Originally Posted by AlwaysChanging2

It's so hard to share in a meeting.


My problem is I'm self conscious as to how I look because what you see isn't me. Then when I do try to share, my mind is flooded by what everyone else wants to say that my words are jumbled up.


I'm trying to make my way back.

Just keep going. I didnt talk for a long time in meetings(3+ years) for the same and more reasons. Eventually it got easier. Now you cant shut me up LOL.

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