Hey!
So when I first got sober I didn’t care to share… I think I was in such a fog I didn’t even know what I was saying. Now I am so aware and I hate sharing. I feel such anxiety and stupid after the fact
Did anyone else feel like this?
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No, I just say the same things pretty much over and over because the shitstorm passed and life’s been good
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Yep, I have shared only a few times, practically hyperventilate while waiting for my turn, then blurt out random shit at high speed. Then replay it over in my mind after. Really you would not believe my job involves talking in front of people. You are not alone.
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You my friend are definitely not alone as I too have horrible social anxiety from time to time. In my experience though, speaking up and sharing even when I’ve been nervous or afraid or feel stupid has always paid off in the end. While you may be your own biggest critic, often times your words no matter how they’re presented may be exactly what someone else needed to hear.
Just keep showing up and push yourself to say hi to a newcomer rather than forcing yourself to speak to the larger group. You’re doing great by going and listening so keep up the great work! 
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I don’t like to share either. Another reason why I prefer open speaker meetings. I just want to listen.
I do like to share when the topic hits a note for me. But, I usually say the same thing on other shares because my past didn’t change and it’s what made me the drunk I am today.!
I think sometimes the anxiety is caused by our own need to feel we said something profound or inspiring. Its important to remember why you are there. You arent there to teach others to get sober. You are there to share whats on your mind, whats going on in your life, so that you can get it off of your mind and stop it from eating at you until you attempt to quiet it with alcohol. If you are just honest about whats going on in your life and how youre dealing with it, thats what helps others realize they arent alone. We arent special. We arent unique. We have the same problems and deal with the same shit. Sometimes it easy to let the idea of step 12 and helping others blur our purpose. It doesnt matter if you are on day one or day ten thousand, you are still an alcoholic and have to focus on your own sobriety. For me reminding myself that, makes it easier to share. It doesnt matter if I have 5 words to say that day or talk for 20 minutes about whats going on with me, Im there for me and doing what I need to do to maintain my mental health and sobriety.
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Just say Im here to listen tonight. Nobody will have a problem with that ever. When you pick up your milestone coins just say something simple, I did it listening to your stories. keep it as short as you want.
Nobody really cares weather you want to listen. They’re just happy your there, trying not to drink.
Homegroups help. You get to know people and aren’t as nervous around them when the meeting is familiar. I had huge anxiety at first about sharing. in my home group I took service positions and got more comfortable. I chaired meetings eventually. Secretary is easy because you don’t have to talk a lot. just hand out chips. its fun rooting for people celebrating milestones.
Maybe read the literature to start.
I can now stand on the podium in front of large groups of people. Over time is gets easier and easier.
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I usually want to share because I am feeling bad and then I get dinged for not having enough strength and hope.
So I try to be quiet.
Yes for sure I always felt like I was talking gibberish and didn’t make since but the more I share the easier it gets
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Thank you for asking this question. I am New to the program and I love attending AA meetings but I always feel weird and nervous because I am not really ready to share or know what I want to say, so I don’t share. I feel like it will eventually really be good for me, but I also don’t want to just talk to talk. I also have a bit of perfectionism rolling around in that department as I ised to to a ton of public speaking but it was never about myself or sobriety or my drinking and so it hits so different. I think there is a bit of fear of babbling like I am doing right now…lol. I guess I have to remember that what or how anyone else shares, I always appreciate it and take something from it, so hopefully that would be the case if I share as well.
I have one meeting that is a sit around a table type. After we do the reading for the week we just sit there and wait for someone to feel I spired to speak. Sometimes there’s a lot of talk, sometimes there is prolonged silence. The point is to share when you feel you need to share and if you don’t want to share that is A OK.
That’s really what I love about AA. They have set up a program that they feel works and will help but they know not everything is for everyone. Use/do what works for you and allow others to use/do what works for them. That might be sharing, or praying, doing the steps, whatever. All that matters is that you are doing what you need to do to not drink.