Primary Purpose

I was recently asked to speak at a retreat for one of my recovery programs. The speech needs to be one hour and focused on my recovery from compulsive eating story. The retreat is being held several states away, so I'd have to fly there and spend the weekend with people I've never met before. I was a bit undecided when first asked, so I talked to my sponsor and some program friends about it.

My sponsor directed me to the 5th Tradition which states, "Each group has but one primary purpose - to carry its message to the compulsive eater who still suffers." Once I read the entire text of the tradition, it became immediately clear to me that the only answer I could rightfully give was, "Yes".

I feel that I have a duty to carry the message of hope and recovery to other addicts now that I've been blessed with a reprieve. Maybe what I say will help just one person. If it does, then I've done my part.

So in a few weeks, I will be flying to another state to spend an entire weekend and share my true self with people I've never met before. I'm nervous, but mostly excited and looking forward to a new adventure.