Originally Posted by bemyself
Newcomers are indeed not helpless either. They / we are just often told we are.
No one said newcomers were helpless. I frequently post about the problem of learned helplessness in the recovery movement. Personally I believe one of the strongest messages one starting out can hear is "I believe you are capable". I say it all the time.
I would address your other comment to me about anger and passive disclaimers, but I'm not clear on what you mean. Stuff like this does not get me unglued...that's just me. I recognize that everyone is different.