Meg M. – 12 Traditions – Not the NA Sponsor Poster Child – 2014

About This Speaker Tape

The session opens with a formal reading of the NA Traditions, setting a rigid boundary for the fellowship's survival. Meg M. dismantles the myth of the 'perfect sponsor,' admitting she once sought only validation for her steps while ignoring life suggestions.

She maps out the wreckage of her distrust toward women, which she eventually healed through the guidance of female sponsors. John H. cuts through the facade of masculinity, arguing that 'real men in NA cry' and recounting a period of 'dry' addiction where he lost his mind without the drugs but without the tools.

David shares the grit of his journey, describing the 'boogaboos' of his fourth step and the danger of 'sleeping with your sponsor.' The narrative arc moves from the isolation of the 'intelligent' addict who thinks they can figure out the steps alone to the surrender of being 'willing to be sponsored,' ending with a collective recognition that sponsorship is a two-way street of survival.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:00 Reading of the 12 Traditions of NA.
• 5:15 Meg M. begins her share; discusses the grace of her Higher Power and the importance of her first sponsor.
• 8:40 Meg discusses her initial distrust of women and the role of sponsorship in learning to love herself.
• 12:10 Laughter: Meg talks about the 'NA sponsor poster child' and her motives for taking sponsees.
• 16:30 Meg's advice on the 'two-way street' of sponsorship and her relationship with her female sponsor.
• 21:00 John H. takes the podium; discusses the turning point of chasing down his first sponsor.
• 25:45 John H. on the freedom of crying in recovery and the importance of men supporting men.
• 30:10 John H. describes the 'dry' addiction of being clean but sponsorless and the risk of suicide.
• 35:20 John H. discusses the 'direct sponsor order' to change his social circle to save his marriage.
• 40:15 David shares his experience with 'intelligent' addicts and the struggle to accept a sponsor.
• 46:00 David discusses the 'boogaboos' of the fourth step and the danger of romantic involvement with sponsors.
• 52:00 Closing: The group gathers for a hug circle and the Serenity Prayer.