ex-shep
12-13-2004, 11:13 AM
We learned four new positive core beliefs. We were good worthy people deserving to live life to the fullest. There were friends from birth to the present who liked us for what we were. Based on that we could believe in ourselves. We could ask for help. We found members who were happy to provide their experiences to help us through our suffering. The group was not the most important need.
We learned that we would, as time went on, be happy joyous and free. As we talked to experts in the field, we went to meetings and spoke to members who were now leading productive lives and were years beyond their group experience, we found hope to carry on. We knew it would take time. Our group involvements, for many, did not happen overnight; so we knew it was going to take time to get back on our feet. Some recovered faster than other. We did not shame ourselves if we still needed more time. Some were better in math than we were. We were reminded that recovery was a "process, not an event".
The only requirement for S.A.R.A membership was desire to stop living out a pattern of spiritual abuse and to be free of the destructive emotional patterns we inherited. All we were required to do was make a conscientious effort in recovery, respect the anonymity of the support group, and contribute to the day-to-day operation of the meetings in any way we were able or willing. One 12-step group ended their meetings with, "Keep coming back. It works if you work and give it a whole lot of love – and you're worth it" We were determined to go to any lengths to get better and live the most positive lives we could.
We learned that we would, as time went on, be happy joyous and free. As we talked to experts in the field, we went to meetings and spoke to members who were now leading productive lives and were years beyond their group experience, we found hope to carry on. We knew it would take time. Our group involvements, for many, did not happen overnight; so we knew it was going to take time to get back on our feet. Some recovered faster than other. We did not shame ourselves if we still needed more time. Some were better in math than we were. We were reminded that recovery was a "process, not an event".
The only requirement for S.A.R.A membership was desire to stop living out a pattern of spiritual abuse and to be free of the destructive emotional patterns we inherited. All we were required to do was make a conscientious effort in recovery, respect the anonymity of the support group, and contribute to the day-to-day operation of the meetings in any way we were able or willing. One 12-step group ended their meetings with, "Keep coming back. It works if you work and give it a whole lot of love – and you're worth it" We were determined to go to any lengths to get better and live the most positive lives we could.