I recently received an email from a person who is in early recovery. He is struggling with getting really into the program, and listed these issues he has.  * Almost everybody member of my home group has years of recovery on me.* It seems that everybody has taken the steps at least one time, and I am still in step 2.* People talk about their higher power as if it is so obvious that everybody has one. It seems easy to know what a higher power is.* The fellowship seems a happy place where every member wants to be around. Where i feel no need except for our meeting and the contacts with my sponsor.* The same goes for doing service. I Hear daily that this is the only way to stay sober. But I don't want to do service work.* As a newcomer I sometimes feel overwhelmed. But when other newcomers join our meeting I don't know what to do.* I find it difficult to see where I came from.* I often miss the more practical side “ what will help (now)”. I have a great home group. And I know the things I have written probably tell a lot about myself and my own resentments. But these are my thoughts about the topic. I asked the email list: Have you had similar feelings and experiences? What were the stumbling blocks for you? How did you respond? How did you “deal”? How were you able to “Come all the way in, sit all the way down, and stay”? This episode has your responses. Upcoming Our next topic for next week is “Recovery whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not”. Our suggested opening tells us that “we can find contentment, and even happiness whether the alcoholic is drinking or not.” How does this happen? How can we deal with the “isms” of the disease in a way that is healthy for ourselves? Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email [email protected] with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.