June 17

”A bird does not sing because he has an answer – he sings because he has a song.” Barbara Johnson

Spring is one of my favourite times of the year. It is a time of rebirth and renewal, and it is a funny coincidence that it was that time of the year when I first realized the extent of my problems and began to seek help. I remember feeling trepidatious and scared about walking into my first meeting. I was not entirely sure what to expect, how comfortable I would feel...it was certainly a step into the unknown. There was a small comfort in the fact that I had found my first group through a phone line and that a member was to be there to meet me. It was reassuring indeed when he was there and greeted me. It did not take long for me to feel at ease in the group. I even shared a little at that first meeting. Since then, I have been a regular attendee. I joined a second group a couple months later, and then helped to start a step study group shortly after that. I share at every meeting, not because I have answers to making the program work, but because sharing my experience helps ground me in my recovery and maybe something I say will help another member. I learn as much if not more from everyone else who shares as I do from my own participation. I am thankful for the open and honest exchange at each meeting.

Affirmation It is important for me to share my story with others; fellow members can learn from me as well as I can learn from them.