Telling your story...
 

Six months ago I was asked to tell my story at a meeting on Thursday night. I've purposely put it out of my head until now (ego-drama). I haven't told my story in years, since I got clean this time (3 years ago). I know it's different for everyone but I'm wondering what your experience is or what you prefer to hear.

I've heard it done several different ways. I've heard that you tell how it was before you used, during your using, and after your using. I've also heard that you don't talk about your using, thus cutting out "war stories". I guess I believe that there is a happy medium somewhere in there and the most important thing is to pray before hand for a message of recovery. I was thinking that I would talk quite a bit about the before using, childhood, "didn't fit in" kind of stuff. This meeting has quite a few young people and newcomers so I think it would be easy identification for them. And, of course, I'll talk about my experience with the steps and recovery in general.

I'd really appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

I think reaching out to the young ones is a great idea!!!

A good friend of mine says he tries to use as aguideline "what it was like, what happened, and what it's like now."

we share our experience, strength, and hope. Our message is what comes out of our mouth when we open it to share. The God of our understanding speaks through us and takes care of who hears what.

Your screen name says it all "We do recover!"

Gooch said it - don't worry too much about it!

I've often found that describing my situations (sometimes I've covered my childhood if I have a lot of time to fill) can bring out some funny stories, as well as help someone connect. I touched a little on the war stories during the "what happened" part, but mostly it was about what was going on around me and what I was thinking - and was thanked by several people afterwards who could 'relate'.

good luck!

Thanks to everyone. I have some idea of what I might talk about but for the most part, I'm leaving it up to God.

We'll see how it goes... :)