12 Step Meetings are like a giant classroom teambuilding activity

Last night I attended a meeting and for the first time I was able to put into words (or create an analogy as I realize I really like to do) why I love going and sharing and listening to a bunch of strangers.  

To explain I must share a morning meeting activity that students and teachers alike love at our school; our principal even has the staff play it every year during pre-planning and it’s probably the one time during that week when no one groans.  It is a game called “Me, too.”  Someone stands up and makes a statement about themselves.  For example: “I went to New York this summer.” or “I love to read historical fiction.” or “I have an ice cream addiction.” And everyone in the room who identifies with this statement stands up and exclaims “me, too.”  Adults and kids alike love to see who they can relate to - it’s human nature.  So back to my point....

After a lifetime (literally) of thinking that my thoughts and feelings were unique (not in a good way) and that my thought patterns were bizarre, it is nice to hear a disparate group of strangers all share statements about themselves that make me want to stand up and shout “ME, TOO.”  Unfortunately that is frowned upon in a 12 step meeting.  It would be considered crosstalk; I am thinking about making a shirt that states it to wear to my Monday night meetings!  Seriously!  

At the end of the day, or the meeting, I realize that I still have a lot of work to do to get myself to a happier, more secure place; but knowing that I am not walking this road alone, that there are so many people walking alongside me - moving slower, faster, taking steps backwards or leaps forward - helps. a lot.  And if I keep going to my meetings and I stumble or fall these people, even though we are almost strangers, will be there to support me and get me back on my feet.  Some days that is just what I need to know in the back of my head to get my day started.