My First CoDA Meeting
I
remember my first CoDA meeting as if it were yesterday. Of course, I had no
idea of what to expect but I had certain expectations. Sounds ironic, doesn't
it?
It
was January 20, 2020. My fiancé and I went to the meeting thinking it would
solidify our relationship even more. What we experienced was a small group of
people who were warm, friendly, and welcoming.
The
meeting agenda was structured and organized. What I remember most was that no
one was pressured to speak at any time. Of course, there was CoDA-approved
literature available but there was no "hard sale" so to speak.
What
I remember the most, however, is how safe people felt and how comfortable
people felt about sharing their feelings. There was no criticism - only
acceptance of what and how each individual felt at that particular time. I knew
then my perception of what I thought the meeting would be like was incorrect. I
also knew I would return. This was something new for me and I liked it! Thank
You CoDA!
Little
did I know that a seed had been planted in me that would blossom into a
wonderful garden. I have always hated gardening because I believed I had a
black thumb. I now appreciate the beauty that can come from a person's effort
and labor.
Before
I knew it, I had a sponsor, realized I had writing skills, studied the Steps
and Traditions, slogans, but most of all I learned that I could live life instead
of just surviving life by sharing my hopes, strengths, and experiences. I
shared my fears, my failures, and my successes. My home group became my family.
They are always there when I am down or depressed and lift me up and encourage
me. They are understanding and patient. I want to thank them for helping me
learn and believe in myself.
Today,
the seed that was planted in my first CoDA meeting has sprouted and grown into
a beautiful garden. Of course, as with any good gardener or farmer, in order to
yield the fruits of their labor they must remove all the nasty weeds....
something I work on daily.
My
weeds are all my character defects such as isolationism, low self-esteem,
judgmentalism, denial, fear of failure, perfectionism, and martyrdom. My CoDA
garden has become my "Labor of Love" so to speak. I am slowly
replacing my weeds with acceptance, kindness, generosity, patience,
self-confidence, and humor.
I
have planted several seeds since that first meeting. It never occurred to me
before CoDA that I even deserved to have a beautiful garden. What a wonderful
place to find oneself as I learn to live life. I know I couldn't have done it
without the encouragement of my sponsor and my home CoDA group.
I
am so glad I have found CoDA because now I know I don't have to live in fear.
And I know I can become a master gardener. Thank you, CoDA for being there for
me!
Linda
C. 7/8/22
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