Having Fun in Recovery
" ... we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers
could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We
absolutely insist on enjoying life."
1
One of the most surprising things a newcomer may hear at a C.A.
meeting is the sound of laughter. How is it possible that the same
people who probably started drinking or using drugs in the pursuit
of a good time are now having an even better time without
mind-altering substances? At first out of necessity, and then from
an honest desire to be open to new experiences, we have allowed
those who came before us to teach us how to have fun in recovery.
Here are some suggestions you may wish to try:
The Meeting After the Meeting
Many groups get together for coffee or a meal after the meeting is
over. This is a great way to get to know other members and share a
laugh or exchange support. There's no need to be shy about asking
where folks go; remember, everyone else has had the experience of
being there for the first time, too.
C.A. Activities and Conventions
Dances, campouts, picnics and potlucks are just a few of the
activities which may be organized by the local C.A. fellowship.
Fellowship events help us learn to enjoy such activities sober in a
safe and supportive atmosphere, perhaps for the first time.
Conventions are generally on a larger scale, where members may come
from other areas or even other countries to participate. Conventions
offer the opportunity to attend workshops and hear speakers we might
never have heard before, so that we can experience the C.A. message
of recovery in a new way.
Service Work
How can something called work be fun? It all depends on who your
coworkers are. Getting involved in service, whether at your home
group or perhaps on a committee planning a C.A. activity, can lead
to new friendships with others who are seriously committed to their
recovery. In the process, we have the opportunity to learn about
service structure, the 12 Traditions, and everything that happens
behind the scenes to keep C.A. going strong.
Willingness and Open-Mindedness
We may still occasionally find ourselves asking, "What am I going to
do now that I'm sober?" At these times we can ask a trusted
servant, such as the group's Secretary or GSR, or look on the
internet at www.ca.org for information on C.A. activities and
events. We can also ask our sponsors, friends, or fellow home group
members for suggestions on new, fun things to do.
Each time we make the effort to have open minds, try something new
and end up enjoying ourselves, we add to our recovery foundation. As
we grow more spiritually fit, we may find we can participate in
activities we chose to forego when we first got sober. Before long,
it becomes easy to have fun in recovery. Instead of feeling like we
are missing out on having a good time, we become grateful for the
new opportunities we have to celebrate being happy, joyous and free.
1 Alcoholics Anonymous, page 132