What's the best way to use this forum for passing the message?

[Tosh]

Hi all,

I ended up being a happy customer of AA from looking round this and another internet recovery forum, and now having had a spiritual experience through working the 12 Steps etc, it's my turn now to pass that same message on.

Also, bearing in mind the Traditions of AA, (which I do need get a better understanding of), but I know enough of them to know why we have them.

So, keeping the Traditions in mind, and all the obvious stuff like not flaming or critisising another recovery method, or even TELLING people what to do, what's the best tack for passing on that message on an internet forum?

I mean this must be quite an important tool for passing on the message, because places like this will often be someone's first choice when accessing information on their 'drinking problem'.

Regards,

Tosh, recovered alcoholic.

[tommyk]

Sharing your ES&H.

Using honesty, open mindedness, and willingness.

[Mark75]

Tommy said it well...

[Tosh]

Yes, thank you, I guess I was forgetting to keep it simple.

Cheers for reminding me.

Regards,

Tosh

[Boleo]

Originally Posted by tommyk

Sharing your ES&H.

Using honesty, open mindedness, and willingness.

Ditto: I especially like to hear about Strength.

[keithj]

Follow Tazman's example.

[CarolD]

I was already AA sober before I came on line in '92.
Over the years I have been a member of maybe 10 sites
but always found a cyber home group.

For me...it's important to have one...just as it is to
have a local home group. I hope you will make
SR your cyber home group too Tosh....

I've been sharing on several threads with you....I think
you are carrying the message of hope and healing.


Forward we go side by side

[tomvlll]

Originally Posted by Tosh

Hi all,

I ended up being a happy customer of AA from looking round this and another internet recovery forum, and now having had a spiritual experience through working the 12 Steps etc, it's my turn now to pass that same message on.

Also, bearing in mind the Traditions of AA, (which I do need get a better understanding of), but I know enough of them to know why we have them.

So, keeping the Traditions in mind, and all the obvious stuff like not flaming or critisising another recovery method, or even TELLING people what to do, what's the best tack for passing on that message on an internet forum?

I mean this must be quite an important tool for passing on the message, because places like this will often be someone's first choice when accessing information on their 'drinking problem'.

Regards,

Tosh, recovered alcoholic.

To me it's easier to explain AA if I compare it to a weight loss program. I used to be 50 lbs. overweight, now I'm not. A person who is currently 50 lbs. overweight might want to know how I lost the weight. I might have credibility with a person is who is 50 lbs. overweight because I was as well. The big difference between that and AA is that unfortunately we can't show a newcomer a "before" picture as one might in the case of an overweight person.that would make it easy. We have to relate it verbally.

[sugErspun]

I was just thinking about this last night, sometimes the solution gets blurred online (at least in my view).

So our book says "Many could recover if they had the opportunity we have enjoyed. How then shall we present that which has been so freely given us?"

"We have concluded to publish an anonymous volume setting forth the problem as we see it. We shall bring to the task our combined experience and knowledge. This should suggest a useful program for anyone concerned with a drinking problem."

So - I think Tommy's reply hits the nail on the head. As long as I try to practice some mindfulness as to 'why' I would spend time on an internet forum regarding the twelve steps and alcoholism as I see it, it can't go wrong.

bb reference taken from http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_bigbook_chapt2.pdf

[Tosh]

Hey, I've just had a PM from someone:

(Regarding Priss's thread...) Tosh, you almost make me want to try an AA meeting. There's actually humor/humour? Who knew?!

It might be an idea to let people know there's more to AA than just the Big Book and God! I know that might sound blasphemous to some but have a read of p132 of the BB; we aren't just a glum lot and that newcomers need to see there's fun involved too.

And to be honest, it was the 'fun' element that kept me coming back to begin with; till I caught the AA programme hook!

Just a thought from a n00b!

[Mark75]

Originally Posted by keithj

Follow Tazman's example.

Yea, that...

There are several people here that come to mind... Also trucker... But, everyone adds so much in their own way...

I would add to tommy's and say... humility... an ideal I am working toward.

Mark

[shaun00]

your already doing it tosh...from what ive seen.

ive seen lots of key words in the replys.

i dont know it all..........i am not a saint and i cant fix the world.

if i dont have the experience thats all i say.

i like to keep telling newcomers that it is possible....because i remember when i didnt think it was...

then how it became possible.......and im not frighten to use the word "god"

since he got me and keeps me sober..............shaun.

[Tommyh]

Tosh,my thoughts on your post
like Tommy said,share our ESH.I think it would benefit the new person here if I
stop and think why they are here.Many come here looking for information and others come here for help.Many do not know they are alcoholics.How can we help them find out if they are alcoholics?I figure by sharing our past drinking stories with them so they can identify.If they can identify,I believe it is best to try and get them to a AA f2f meeting.Then they are in God`s hands.We have done a large part.I had not accepted the fact I was a alcoholic in 1987,but when I attended f2f AA and heard the stories at speaker meetings,I slowly identified with everyone`s drinking.From then on,it took drinking to convince me I was a alcoholic like yall.

Originally Posted by Tosh

Hi all,

I ended up being a happy customer of AA from looking round this and another internet recovery forum, and now having had a spiritual experience through working the 12 Steps etc, it's my turn now to pass that same message on.

Also, bearing in mind the Traditions of AA, (which I do need get a better understanding of), but I know enough of them to know why we have them.

So, keeping the Traditions in mind, and all the obvious stuff like not flaming or critisising another recovery method, or even TELLING people what to do, what's the best tack for passing on that message on an internet forum?

I mean this must be quite an important tool for passing on the message, because places like this will often be someone's first choice when accessing information on their 'drinking problem'.

Regards,

Tosh, recovered alcoholic.

[Tosh]

Thanks guys, I've got a habit of over complicating something, and it's good to know I haven't missed anything that could be obvious.

Cheers.