Some Healthy Extras Of 12-Step Meetings
by Brenda WilliamsWhether you have tried 12-Step Meetings yet or not, you may have come to the conclusion that it is all about abstaining from drugs and alcohol. What you may not have seen, though, is that many 12-Step Meetings go beyond the Meeting rooms and provide their members with numerous other activities which are healthy and enjoyable.
When you have begun attending Meetings, how can you know if they are the right Meetings for you? One key point to keep in mind is whether the members attach a degree of importance to overall health in general. While the main focus of 12-Step Meetings must, of course, be on recovery, those who are truly prioritized on the subject realize how important it is to emphasize regaining and maintaining physical health.
With this fact in mind, you may be pleasantly surprised if you find that the Meetings you have begun attending provide opportunities for physical activity. For example, in many locations the onset of warmer weather is the signal that they are to begin signing up interested participants for their regular softball teams. Although participation is not mandatory, they often gather after Meetings or on a different day to go out to the ball field for fresh air and invigorating exercise. In other locations, Meeting-goers elect to participate in other types of physical activities, such as forming bowling leagues. Whichever sport the members prefer is not the issue-- all of the healthy benefits which result from physical exercise is!
As many who have used drugs and alcohol have spent long periods of time with little concern for either exercise or health, you are fortunate if you have found a Meeting which considers physical activity an important bonus. It does not matter what your age may be, or how out-of-shape you may have become, for you will have the chance to take part in a very healthy activity, and have lots of fun at the same time.
Meetings which stress this factor as an important part of recovery are looking at a person's overall picture. While becoming clean and sober involves stepwork, sharing in Meetings, and other basic concepts and principles, one which has a true grasp on the overall picture of recovery realizes that a person's physical health and strength are equally relevant. Check and see if the Meetings you have decided to attend include some type of sport or activity for all members who wish to participate!
If you have spent years of drinking and using feeling dragged-out, run-down, unmotivated, tired, and all of the other minor complaints which usually go along with lack of physical activity, finding a Meeting that will give you this opportunity will be a true blessing.
It does not matter how athletically-inclined you may or may not be, or whether you have ever excelled at any sport; what does matter is that when becoming physically fit is a big part of your recovery program, you will be in much better condition to enjoy your life in sobriety much more!