Suit Up and Show Up

 In the beginning of my time going to meetings, it was all about listening. I shared when called on, but I was operating on new information. New understanding can come from anyone, I believe, regardless of their time in recovery, so it can be enlightening to hear a newcomer’s fresh insights. 

When anyone comes to a meeting, they have suited up and shown up. When asked to be of service, our aim is to do the same.

I’ve had to remind myself sometimes that going to a meeting when I’d rather not is being willing to be of service. In those early days of mine, I wouldn’t have had any moments of insight without the more experienced members being there and sharing their experience, strength, and hope. Maybe they didn’t particularly need a meeting, but I needed to see them and hear what they had to say. They suited up and showed up.

It’s a simple enough idea. Be present. Be available. Be vulnerable. Be a beacon of hope, showing that working the program worked for me in finding sobriety, spiritual connection, and serenity. All it takes is putting on some clothes and getting to a meeting, whether virtual or in person—suiting up and showing up.