Volume XXVIII Number 3

Chairperson’s Report with the skills to fulfill this position, con- Interested in contributing tact Webservant@- to Seven Minutes? anonymous.org. See page 9 for addi- Send letters, articles, stories, poems, Happy September to my fellow members tional details. artwork, or other material to: in Nicotine Anonymous. The summer is SevenMinutes over and life is grand. I want to thank c/o NAWSO This was the first time in many years 6333 E. Mockingbird Lane the 2016 delegates who elected me as that minutes from the conference week- #147-817 chair-elect. Now I’m attempting to fulfill , TX 75214 end were sent out in NicA News my duties as active chairperson and em- or email to: (formally Two-Way Talk). The new board SevenMinutesEditor@nicotine brace this adventure, one day at a time. voted to send links for the minutes to ­anonymous.org members who choose to read them. To My first action has been the replacement All submissions may be edited as sign up for NicA News, go to http:// of coordinators who stepped down from necessary for grammar and content. nicotine-anonymous.org/nica-news- their service positions. Members who email-communications.html Subscription requests, circulation have volunteered their service include additions and deletions may be sent by mail to the address above, Wendy H as Paper Pen Pal Coordinator, or go online to: A review of the structure of Nicotine Jorie M as Email Pen Pal Coordinator, www.nicotine-anonymous.org Anonymous was presented at a work- Gary M as Email Coordinator, Sharon C shop during the 2017 conference. A All articles accepted for publication and Steve M on the Traditions Commit- may be reprinted in outside committee is being developed to explore publications in their entirety at the tee and Martha K as Traditions Coordina- whether our membership is interested in discretion of the chair and editor. tor, and Chad O as Logo Protection Com- proposing changes in the fellowship’s Your trusted servants, mittee Coordinator. Chris H - Editor structure to increase and improve our Teresa I - Subscriptions I am an avid believer in the rotation of member’s ability to participate. This service. Meeting individuals and discuss- year’s conference had 31 delegates ARTICLES & FEATURES making the decisions for everyone in our ing their new responsibilities helped me become more acquainted with the ser- fellowship. Surveys have been emailed “My Experience of Recovery on vices Nicotine Anonymous offers. If you to our delegates, trusted servants, inter- the Free Bridge” are acquainted with anyone who has group contacts, and coordinators to by Bob….………………………………. Pg. 3-4 Quote Corner…………………………..Pg. 4 served or is now offering to serve, committees that report to the board. The “Southern Intergroup please “PAT” them on the back to thank board is looking forward to reviewing Annual NicA Retreat” them for the patience, acceptance, and how our fellowship feels about restruc- By Angela P…………………………….Pg. 4 tolerance they possess to help addicts in turing at the August 12 online meeting. “It Does Work If You Work It” our fellowship. I personally want to If you would like to join this committee, By Christine H………………………...Pg. 5 thank the numerous members who re- please contact Chad, coordinator of this Heard it at a Meeting……………….Pg. 5 ferred the new trusted servants to me! newly-formed committee at Chairperson “NicA Meeting: A Mutual Meeting the new volunteers added some Support Group” [email protected] excitement to my recovery! By Checko M…………………………..Pg 5-6 I’ve communicated with members who “What Was Your Excuse?” We are currently seeking someone to are in the process of starting meetings By Free Bridge phone group...….Pg. 6 coordinate and develop an Archives Seven Minutes Meditation………..Pg. 7 and intergroups in , , Eng- Committee. NicA needs someone with “NJ/PA Intergroup Annual land, and Norway. As a result, I found it initiative to get this committee working - Funweekend” necessary to form an International Com- one step at a time. By Jan S………………………………….Pg. 7 mittee. Our Translations Coordinator,

Fall NicA Events……………………….Pg. 9 Checko M, accepted this service position We will also be looking for someone to Profit and Loss YTD ………………...Pg. 12 continued 1 on page 7 Birthday Congratulations…………..Pg. 13 replace our webservant in 2018. Anyone

The Twelve Steps of Nicotine Anonymous 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all 12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation 1. We admitted we were powerless over nico- these defects of character. of all our traditions, ever reminding us to tine—that our lives had become unman- 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our short- place principles before personali- ageable. comings. ties. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics than ourselves could restore us to and became willing to make amends to Anonymous sanity. them all. 1. Our common welfare should come first; 3. Made a decision to turn our will and 9. Made direct amends to such people where- personal recovery depends upon A.A. our lives over to the care of God, as we ever possible, except when to do so unity. understood Him. would injure them or others. 2. For our group purpose, there is but one 4. Made a searching and fearless moral 10. Continued to take personal inventory, and ultimate authority--a loving God as he inventory of ourselves. when we were wrong, promptly admitted may express Himself in our group 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to it. conscience. Our leaders are but trust- another human being the exact nature of 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to ed servants; they do not govern. our wrongs. improve our conscious contact with God as 3. The only requirement for A.A. mem- bership is a desire to stop drinking. 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove we understood Him, praying only for 4. Each group should be autonomous all these defects of character. knowledge of His will for us and the except in matters affecting other 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our short- power to carry it out. groups or A.A. as a whole. comings. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening 5. Each group has but one primary purpose 8. Made a list of all persons we had as the result of these steps, we tried to --to carry its message to the alcoholic harmed, and became willing to make carry this message to other alcoholics and who still suffers. amends to them all. to practice these principles in all our af- 6. An A.A. group ought never endorse, 9. Made direct amends to such people fairs. finance or lend the A.A. name to any wherever possible, except when to do so related facility or outside enterprise, lest would injure them or others. The Twelve Traditions of Nicotine Anonymous problems of money, property and pres- 1. Our common welfare should come first; 10. Continued to take personal inventory, tige divert us from our primary pur- personal recovery depends upon Nico- pose. and when we were wrong, promptly tine Anonymous unity. 7. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self- admitted it. 2. For our group purpose there is but one supporting, declining outside contribu- 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to ultimate authority - a loving God as tions. improve our conscious contact with He may express Himself in our group 8. should remain God as we understood Him, praying conscience. Our leaders are but trusted forever nonprofessional, but our ser- only for knowledge of His will for us servants; they do not govern. vice centers may employ special work- and the power to carry it out. 3. The only requirement for Nicotine Anon- ers. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the ymous membership is a desire to stop 9. A.A., as such, ought never be orga- result of these steps, we tried to carry this using nicotine. nized; but we may create service boards message to other nicotine users and 4. Each group should be autonomous ex• or committees directly responsible to those they serve. to practice these principles in all our cept in matters affecting other groups or 10. Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion Nicotine Anonymous as a whole. affairs. on outside issues; hence the A.A. name 5. Each group has but one primary pur• The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions ought never be drawn into public con- pose - to carry its message to the nicotine troversy. reprinted and adapted here with the addict who still suffers. 11. Our public relations policy is based on Inc. 6. A Nicotine Anonymous group ought attraction rather than promotion; we Permission to reprint and adapt the Twelve Steps and never endorse, finance, or lend the need always maintain personal ano- Twelve Traditions does not mean that A.A. is affiliated Nicotine Anonymous name to any nymity at the level of press, radio and related facility or outside enterprise, films. with this program. A.A. is a program of recovery lest problems of money, property, 12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation from -use of the Twelve Steps in and prestige divert us from our pri- of all our traditions, ever reminding us to connection with programs and activities mary purpose. place principles before personalities. which are patterned after A.A., but which address 7. Every Nicotine Anonymous group ought Our Preamble other problems, does not imply otherwise. to be fully self - supporting, declining outside contributions. Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous 8. Nicotine Anonymous should remain women helping each other to live our lives free of forever non-professional, but our ser- nicotine. We share our experience, strength 1. We admitted we were powerless vice centers may employ special work- and hope with each other so that we may be free over alcohol-that our lives had become ers. from this powerful . The only requirement unmanageable. 9. Nicotine Anonymous, as such, ought for membership is the desire to stop using nico- 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than never be organized; but we may create tine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine ourselves could restore us to sanity. service boards or committees directly Anonymous membership; we are self- 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives responsible to those they serve. supporting through our own contributions. Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any over to the care of God, as we understood 10. Nicotine Anonymous has no opinion Him. on outside issues; hence the Nicotine sect, denomination, political entity, organiza- 4. Made a searching and fearless moral Anonymous name ought never be tion or institution; does not engage in any con- troversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. inventory of ourselves. drawn into public controversy. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who Our public relations policy is based on 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to an- 11. are trying to gain freedom from nicotine. other human being the exact nature of our attraction rather than promotion; we need wrongs. always maintain personal anonymity at Reprinted for adaptation with permission of the the level of press, radio, TV, and films. A.A.

SevenMinutes September 2017 Page 2 My Experience of Recovery smoked or chewed anyway. They held a were confirmed - yes, I was insane. I group conscious and determined smok- was a nicotine addict. I started to un- on the Free Bridge… ing did not impair me to the point I derstand what addiction was and what it couldn't coherently share, so I started had done to me. I have been trying to quit for a sharing. I realized they were a wise long, long time. I tried everything. You group of people and knew what they I kept working the Steps, reading the know the list: cold turkey, classes, were doing. They wanted to build rela- literature, doing service, and fully par- books, medication, hypnosis, acupunc- tionships, not impose unnecessary rules. ticipating in meetings. I started to un- ture, meditation, and every nicotine derstand recovery. An opportunity came replacement you can think of, ad infini- I started reading their literature. My NA about to co-chair a meeting. I jumped tum. I even stopped drinking alcohol friends suggested I look into Nicotine at it. The chairperson trained me and and coffee in order to quit. I knew I was Anonymous because it was fully focused soon I was able to chair the entire addicted, but I really didn't understand on nicotine addiction, so I did. Then I meeting myself. The group accepted what addiction was or how I could possi- found the NicA phone meetings on Free me. The chairperson who had been bly get free. I pretty much accepted my Bridge. chairing for a long time wanted a break. future fate - a slow death due to smok- The group voted me in and I became ing. I still couldn't stop. I was doomed. I I dialed into my first NicA phone meet- the group's chairperson. I poured my was hopeless. Was I insane? ing. I found some members still smok- heart and soul into chairing meetings, ing, some had relapsed, some were us- selecting relevant topics on recovery How could I be insane? I was holding ing nicotine replacements, and some from our literature. I sought out recov- down a responsible job. I had creden- were no longer using any form of nico- ery topics from the group. The group tials and was successful. People sought tine. I did feel a sense of belonging. grew bigger. Soon I was asked to sub- my expertise. I was a responsible mem- There were no rules on smoking and stitute for other’s groups when the ber of my community, serving on pro- attending meetings. I was hopeful this chairperson had a schedule conflict. I fessional boards and civic committees. would help me. welcomed the opportunity to do more How could I really be insane? I just had service. There are many opportunities to a nasty habit. Even the quit smoking do service on the Free Bridge. But phone line in my state told me so. “Just something else was happening. I was stop smoking - here are some patches.” learning more about my recovery. I be- Then I found NicA on the Internet; no gan to have more hope. I was making face-to-face meetings in my area. progress and losing my perfectionism. I was applying awareness to my life and I Out of desperation I did find a Narcotics greatly reduced my smoking. Anonymous (NA) face-to-face meeting near my home. I gathered up all the Over the Bridge I Go… courage I could and went to the meet- "Keep coming back, your miracle is here ing. I didn't know what to expect. waiting for you." I was told this over and over again by members in the The people there were very nice to me. meetings. They said, "If I can do it, you They gave me space. They did not judge can do it." I diligently worked on the or demand anything of me. They gave Steps. The literature gave me the I bought books and started to read the me some pamphlets to read on addic- grounding I needed to better under- NicA literature. After listening for a tion. There was a test in one pamphlet stand addiction and apply the program. while, I gave my first share. Wow, they to see if I was an addict. Yikes! I was a I found a Power greater than my addic- understood my desire to stop smoking full blown addict when applied to nico- tion. The program gave me tools I could and suggested ways that had worked for tine. I went to more meetings. They use to untangle my addiction. them. Hmmm, could this work for me? I asked when I got out of rehab. For just might be able to do this. smoking? Yea, I wish. I told them my One of my favorite sayings is found in drug of choice was nicotine. They said the NicA literature. It states: "This is a Because I was accepted as a person, I welcome. They accepted me. I started simple program. It is not easy." I will kept coming back to meetings. I looked to learn about spiritual principles and add that it is messy too – non-linear. forward to taking my turn sharing. I the 12 Steps. I did relate to being an What happened was my brain couldn't made friends. I started building a sup- addict. handle something so simple. This was a port group and phone list. I paid close defining moment for me. To me, spiritu- attention to shares in the meetings. I In the NA meetings, their format asked al principles are the invariants of the even started taking notes. I heard many if one had used today to refrain from human condition. They are the bedrock tips and suggestions on getting free. I sharing. This presented me with a di- and are the same from person to per- applied them to my situation. I started lemma. I was smoking at the time, so I son. They work! This realization started to understand the program in more de- was using. I explained my conundrum a process deep inside of me. My think- tail. I started to do service by reading about smoking and they said that ap- ing began to change and I made peace literature at meetings. I started working plied only to narcotic drugs or alcohol, with my Higher Power. My behavior be- the Steps. Powerless and unmanagea- not nicotine. Half the NA members continued on page 4 ble was where I was at. My suspicions

3 gan to change too — for the better. on the weekend - you all know how that Quote can be. Being able to talk with people I found a sponsor. We started reviewing for longer periods of time builds greater my Step work. My despair and fear gave Corner relationships and is one of my favorite way to hope, and my smoking rapidly aspects of the retreats. diminished. A new vision of a life with- “I realize I had been living a out smoking emerged. I began to re- grand hoax. I haven’t given Our cook produced delicious meals for ritualize my life and learn to live without us with many choices including vegetari- smoking. I was even forgetting to up anything at all.” an. smoke! - Promises of Thanks are also due to Dr. Jim who led With my sponsor I learned that recovery Nicotine Anonymous the Fellowship in an hour of yoga as he was a process with many stages: recog- encouraged us to think of yoga as get- nizing denial, becoming willing, hitting a ting down on the floor and rolling bottom and getting sick and tired of Southern California around to stretch and get back in tune being sick and tired. I prayed for willing- with our bodies. This prompted me to ness. I grew my desire to stop smoking Intergroup Annual buy a yoga mat and I have been doing a by attending meetings, sharing, doing little yoga every night since. service, listening to others, and working NicA Retreat... the Steps with my sponsor. Thank you to Jeff M, the Public Outreach Below Angela P shares on this year’s Coordinator for NAWS, for leading a Then the promised miracle occurred. I Joshua Tree retreat, held July 20-21. meeting on service and outreach which got down to one cigarette a day. I asked was very interesting. I hope it encour- a simple question - why am I doing this? aged many to be more active. Karen My answer was… I really don't know Marie led a Step discussion, Joyce and why. I don't need or want this anymore, Larry led an hour on prayer and medita- so I stopped smoking. Yes, I was un- tion, and Judi Ah’D led a meeting on the comfortable, aggravated at the cravings, 11th Step and spiritual tools. Thank you but I did not panic this time. I accepted to all of you for lending your time and the cravings. I wanted what I saw in my energy to make this retreat a rousing sponsor. My sponsor showed me the success. path out of my addiction. We did it over the telephone by building a non- Putting together a retreat is a tremen- judgmental relationship. The power dous amount of effort and giving back to used was love and unconditional ac- our Fellowship. I’m grateful to all the ceptance. people who helped make it happen this I would like to thank Jane H, Alan C, year and for being able to attend and This is what Nicotine Anonymous and and Bill H for putting together this benefit from the retreat. the Free Bridge phone meetings are all year’s June Retreat at the Joshua Tree about. They link people together in the Retreat Center. Because it’s located in November is context of 12 Steps, and enable free- the high desert of California, it’s very Gratitude Month! dom and recovery. WE get free from dry and hot when we typically hold our addiction, and stay free. The program retreat; however, the communal build- It’s not all about the turkey! and my sponsor taught me about ac- ings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and November is an opportunity to ceptance, serenity, humility, and sur- his son are beautiful and welcoming — celebrate freedom from nicotine by put- render. Now I'm looking forward to and have air conditioning! Of course, ting your Attitude of Gratitude into ac- sponsoring others. We keep what we the retreat couldn’t happen without the tion. What creative ways can you and have by giving it away. This is how re- help of many in our fellowship, like Rob- your fellow NicA freedom fighters help covery happens. It is a WE program. ert W who led sunrise hikes as well as others win the fight against nicotine moonlight walks through natural rolling addiction? Posting meeting announce- Today I understand my addiction better pathways, fountains and vistas that also ments at local stores? Health Fairs? and have learned to do something about contain spiritual points of interest at this Doctors offices? With families and it. I don't smoke anymore, just for to- Buddhist retreat center, like the laby- friends gathering this month, who day. I have not graduated from this rinth. The Jacuzzi and pools are a big knows where that desire to quit may program. I have stopped smoking for plus as well. come from! today with the help of the Free Bridge members and my awesome sponsor who The rooms are not equipped with Got any great Outreach believed in me when I could not believe phones or televisions which is also a ideas or successes to share? Send a in myself. Thank you. plus. This is a great help to me person- note to Outreach Coordinator, Jeff M ally, as I like to get off by myself and do at [email protected] Welcome to Nicotine Anonymous on the some journaling after attending a work- Let him know what wonderful Free Bridge. shop. I find the weekends include great Gratitude in Action activity you plan to relaxation as well as intense meetings. do in November! Bob Free Bridge member from TN Several people started successful quits

SevenMinutes September 2017 Page 4 It Does Work Quitting smoking turned out to be by far Literature, Prayer and Meditation, Spon- the easier success. Staying quit has sorship, Phone Calls, Service. It does If You Work It… been easier than I ever dreamed possi- work if you work it. I’m living proof of ble. I only had one big head-to-toe body that. craving which got me instantly on the On June 8, 2015 I quit smoking ciga- phone leaving voicemails with five peo- Christine H rettes. It felt like taking a flyer jumping ple from my meeting. The sixth person Glassboro, NJ off a cliff. I didn’t know if it would work picked up the phone and talked me or not. I didn’t know how my body and through it. emotions and behavior would react. I’d been attending weekly NicA meetings I love being a non-smoker. I love not Heard it at for 10 months. I felt a higher, more thinking about cigarettes or smoking. locked-in level of commitment to the When I see other people smoking, I feel a meeting: program than I had felt to anything be- sorry for them. I know they’re not doing fore in my life. My thinking was that it out of choice or for pleasure, but to Pray NicA has worked for tens of thousands cancel a craving. They are being obedi- of other people and there’s nothing so ent to their addiction. My perspective on Until special about me; that it would work for smoking changed radically when I be- me, too. came educated in the NicA fellowship. Something

My life has changed in other ways as I was prepared to handle whatever feel- well. I now go to the gym regularly and Happens ings of shame and inadequacy which enjoy it. My stamina is far, far greater could arise if I failed, relapsed, had to than when I was in active addiction. I start over. I knew my commitment to can jog gently for 20 minutes; I used to attending meetings and working the get winded after 20 seconds. The shame program would still be there. I knew the NicA Meeting: A Mutual of being a smoker dropped away during caring, accepting people in the meeting the first few days of smobriety. My Support Group… would still be there, caring, accepting, mouth and breath feel, and obviously sharing and being supportive. Amazing- are, so much cleaner. Getting my teeth I first thought of a NicA meeting as a ly, part of quitting was accepting that cleaned at the dentist is no longer a “support group.” I was looking to re- there was part of me that did not want marathon of pain that takes an hour of ceive help. I was filled with fears, to quit, and learning that 100% willing- ultra-sound scraping. Today it’s 20 doubts, and self-loathing because I ness or desire was not realistic or nec- minutes and pain-free. And every day, I wanted to stop smoking, but just could- essary. 75% or 90% could be enough. no longer have to hide an activity that I n’t. I didn't think I had anything to offer

used to do 20 times a day. I no longer others in the group, struggling as I was There was one tiny bit of faith that was have to sit out on my front porch, chain- - certainly not to those who had already given to me as a gift by two members of smoke, watch the cars go by and be gained their freedom. my weekly NicA meeting. They both told bored out of my mind multiple times a me they thought I was ready to quit, day. It’s over. Better days are here now. Each week after sharing my unrealized and that I should go ahead and do it desire and admitting I was still smoking, and not wait any longer to feel more Instead of handling my moods and emo- the others always chorused, “Thanks for confident. I figured they knew what they tions and stress by smoking it all away, sharing, keep coming back.” Soon I was were seeing in me and hearing in my disconnecting from myself, putting up asked if I would volunteer to take the shares. I respected their opinions and walls between my awareness and my door key and open the meeting room. went for it. experiences and feelings, I now am Me, the smoker? I couldn’t say no to the

learning a different way of life. Being in good woman who always welcomed me I was also taking a flyer in my personal contact with my feelings and emotions, each week. After a few weeks I got that life. The day I quit I’d been on a first learning how to tolerate the difficult I had something to offer the group, date that lasted for six hours with a man times without numbing out or over- even if I was still smoking. that held my interest. I decided to give whelming, sharing in words with new myself a chance, a real chance at a friends what is happening in my inner Back in 1989, our group, much less our healthier, smoke-free life and at being life – these are the new coping methods fellowship, didn’t have much literature. loved, having someone to love and pos- that have replaced smoking. They have There also wasn’t a connection to the sibly a domestic partnership. For quite a opened new worlds of dignity, wisdom, World Services organization. I started few years, smoking cigarettes had been maturity and friendship in my life. finding sources of any type of pamphlet a big part of my withdrawing socially - or booklet helpful to the group. isolating, ruminating about my loneli- I have no idea how I managed to actual- ness, feeling like a failure, feeling bored ly quit smoking. My first serious attempt I came to realize that a NicA meeting is with my career and having no sense of was in 1979 in a 3-week program. I not so much a support group as it is a direction for my future. went to my first Nicotine Anonymous mutual support group. We receive from

meetings in the mid-1990’s, but only as well as give to each other. I learned I I took both those big risks that day - attended a few times. I try not to regret gave to the group by consistently show- quitting smoking and starting a new that it took me so long to actually work ing up and providing them with the romantic relationship. 5 a program using the tools: Meetings, continued on page 6 Continued from page 5… What was your excuse?

opportunity to practice program princi- Stay connected to Some favorite rationalizations for not ples with me. By sharing my struggles, I Nicotine Anonymous quitting nicotine… “kept it green” for the veteran mem-

World Services! bers. Both my attendance and sharing - It was my medicine showed I fulfilled the NicA requirement - My reward since I don’t ______( fill of a desire to live free of nicotine - Receive emails directly in the blank) though yet to be realized. from the NAWS board - I don’t care if it kills me

by subscribing to - I’ll be the exception I shared my struggling experience, my NicA News - It won’t land me in jail so I don’t have strength by honesty, and my hope by (formerly Two WayTalk) to worry about it continually affirming my desire - all with - It’s my birthright – I was born gratitude for my fellow members. Offer- to smoke How to subscribe: ing these in this process of being - Everybody else does it/all my Click the Newsletter “restored to sanity,” I became a respon- friends do tab on the NicA website sible member (able to respond and give - I can’t quit – life’s too hard at: back) because I was offered acceptance - I don’t have the will power and patience - support from my group. http://nicotine- - Can’t quit – I’ll have to go to the

anonymous.org/nica- psych ward I kept smoking while I offered service in news-email- - If you had my family, you’d smoke too various ways. My service helped connect communications.html - Can’t today – I’ll do it tomorrow me to the group and its members. That - Don’t love myself and made the connection and care was essential to my wrong choice finally (after more than seven months) - Can’t take a shower without one being willing to let go of nicotine for two - I would go crazy or kill somebody hours - and now for 28 years. - I’ve tried too many times and

couldn’t stop Tradition One points out an essential - It’s not the right time value of mutual support by stating: “Our - I’ll gain weight common welfare should come first; per- - Something’s going to kill me sonal recovery depends upon Nicotine - I’ve done enough damage anyway Anonymous unity.” As individuals, we do - I don’t love myself enough The Free Bridge not recover by ourselves, but together. - I’m always under too much stress

- Smoking relaxes me Telephone Meeting group Likewise, meeting formats are deter- - Smoking helps me think clearly mined by a consensus from a group presents… - I’m afraid I can’t quit conscience. This may include guidelines - I will not be able to sleep such as no cross-talk as well as defining - I’d have to live with my family time limits and topics for members to “Turn Over a New Leaf” without nicotine focus and share on. Complying with a - Don’t want to go through the cravings Phone Marathon Meetings group’s guidelines is how members fos- - Would not know what to do without it ter mutual respect - a form of mutual - I’m an emotional/obnoxious/messy support. Nov. 16 person without it

Recovery is challenging for individuals Meetings start at 8 am EST Stay tuned for the solutions! as well as for groups. Yet we have our and will run on the top of every hour. simple slogan: Together We Change.

May we all be “granted the same peace Last meeting starts at 11 pm EST. Compiled by members of the Nicotine that I seek.” Anonymous Free Bridge phone group

*A different topic for each meeting* Checko M. Phone: 218-339-2933 NAWS Chairperson Emeritus

Pass code: 944982# Want to get involved with NicA Outreach to help your group and/or Intergroup? Consider attending our monthly See nicotine-anonymous.org Outreach teleconference meeting! for information on all regularly-scheduled When: 2nd Wed. of the month Time: 8 pm EST NicA phone meetings To attend: call 218-339-4978 Access Code:1471471#

SevenMinutes September 2017 Page 6 We were hounding him for his recipes Chairperson’s Report Seven Minutes Meditation for the talapia in dill butter sauce and continued from page 1 his famous brisket from the Friday night dinner! Thanks go to Scott for keeping since he has been in communication costs low and feeding us so well. with many of our international members in recent years. Special thanks also go to Janet B for introducing a craft activity. We plan on Nicotine Anonymous is in the process of Inspired by our Promises and Steps... expanding this in the future. producing Nicotine Anonymous books that have been translated into other Grateful for a God who has pulled me I would have to say the biggest miracle languages by using an on-demand pub- from the muck of my disease was our Intergroup meeting. Like many lisher. This is a major accomplishment. where I was ever so slowly killing of us who worry about the future of our We are a worldwide fellowship and we my body and my spirit; fellowship, we were wondering if this want nicotine addicts across the world to be able to hold, read, and use our litera- Who has brought me one moment at a might be the end of NJ/PA Intergroup. Well, let this be a lesson to all of you to ture to assist their recovery. Coming time to a broad open highway of love never, ever lose faith. What ’ s the soon: a Spanish version of Nicotine in which I thrive with a healthy mind, phrase? “Success is ninety percent Anonymous: The Book. body and spirit! showing up.” John L stepped up to be The Outreach Committee meets monthly Thank you, dear HP! chair and other service positions were via telephone conference. One of the - Judi Ah' D filled by enthusiastic volunteers. We went from thinking we would fold to strategies is to make Nicotine Anony- Studio City, CA meeting having a whole new forward vision! mous more visible online while following THANK YOU HIGHER POWER! Shame on the Traditions. An email contact list is ********************** us for doubting you, right? being developed for organizations to spread the word about our solution. The NJ/PA Intergroup Our speakers were incredible: John J, committee is also looking at having a Annual Funweekend… Rosa D, Michael B, John O, Will J, Linda Gratitude Month Outreach Campaign. S. The New York Metropolitan Area Inter- In the article below Jan S shares on this My personal favorite for these weekends group is currently meeting monthly to year’s Funweekend retreat, held in is the bonfire meeting on Saturday plan the 2018 Nicotine Anonymous Phoenixville, PA on July 7-9. night. I’ve gone so far as to say that World Services Conference. If you are coming to the bonfire ensures your interested in helping by attending meet- They are all great, but this year’s Fun- smobriety for yet another year - at least ings in person or online, contact Confer- weekend had something special. It was it does mine! Thanks go to John O for [email protected]. the sharing. It was the gratitude. It was chairing it. The board is also looking for a bid for the heartfelt messages from the speak- the 2019 conference. Suggestions have ers. It was our Higher Power working to At times we consider moving the event been presented but no official plan has do for us what we could not do for our- to perhaps a Pocono Mountain venue been presented. selves. And yes, it was also the food… but we could never have a weekend so affordable as what we have here. We Reaching out to others in recovery can We chose to continue the “Carry the are grateful for the Phoenixville YMCA be life-changing. Attending meetings, Message” theme from this year’s NAWS with its lovely grounds and pools, and reading our amazing literature, learning conference in . Folks need us, for not raising our original rates. about the Steps and Traditions, and and we want them to know there is help being involved with service helps us and hope. It truly does not get any better than remain nicotine-free. As your active this. Special thanks to those who came chairperson, I want to make sure that For twenty-eight years they have come from far away - driving from North Jer- nicotine addicts have our materials to Pennsylvania for this event. It began sey, Long Island, and the DC area is available. Suggestions can be found on as a one day event and has now mor- never a picnic, especially on a Friday our website. phed into three. It’s affordable - you night! The fact that you would do that I dream of bringing the ideas of NicA can pick and choose which event you to be with us and to celebrate recovery members to everyone who wants to be a would like, according to your schedule: speaks volumes. And finally to Pete S, part of the decision-making process. I our Friday night supper and meeting, the TLC you put into that incredible veg- stepped out of my realm of comfortabil- the all-day Saturday event at the Y, etable salad was so appreciated by all - ity to become a trusted servant for Nico- and/or the Sunday Gratitude Brunch. you might have the job for life! tine Anonymous. Would you be willing

to step out of your comfort zone and Attendance this year for each event was The Funweekend was truly gratitude in help us communicate with addicts look- great. Forestas, our local hometown action. Onward and upward, dear ing for relief from this addiction? butcher, delights in catering this event - friends…See you again next July in he is a huge fan of nicotine recovery! Phoenixville! Chick P NAWS chair 7

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Fall 2017 Nicotine Anonymous Events Around the U.S.

Sept. 17 Picnic in the Park — Culver City, CA sponsored by Southern California Intergroup

Oct. 13-15 Clean in the Catskills retreat — Tannersville, NY sponsored by NY Metropolitan Area Intergroup

Nov. 5 Annual Fall Picnic and Meeting — Phoenix, AZ sponsored by Arizona Intergroup

Nov. 18 Marathon Meetings — Bellflower, CA sponsored by Southern California Intergroup

See flyers on the NicA website for event details www.nicotine-anonymous.org 9

Connections

Nicotine Anonymous invites you to connect with our P e n p a l P r o g r a m Who: Someone like you, who is interested in service work.

What: These are examples of our requests: “I am a suffering nicotine addict and I am addicted to chewing tobacco. I would appreciate any help I can get.” Another might be from a person wanting to help others: “I have been smober for a year, after smoking for 42 years, and the one day at a time program worked for me.” Or, “I am having a hard time staying quit, and I also have COPD.” They provide their e-mail address and a brief blurb about their situation.

When: As soon as possible, and whenever you can provide some support. The e-mails and letters are sent out to connect with them as soon as members request to join. This is about once a week.

Where: E-mails are sent to

PenPal Coordinator Paper: [email protected]

Coordinates and connects penpals who want to communicate via snail mail.

PenPal Coordinator Email: [email protected]

Coordinates and connects penpals who want to communicate via email.

Why: Not everyone has access to meetings. This is a great way to connect with other addicts from around the world.

How: Contact either email address above to begin connecting.

SevenMinutes September 2017 Page 10

Write a Meditation for a Future Nicotine Anonymous Daily Meditation Book!

Please submit your daily meditation for consideration in an email or Word file to: [email protected] Subject line ‘Nicotine Anonymous Meditation’ I have been smober for a year, after or mail to: I am Attn: Daily Meditations Coordinator mail Nicotine Anonymous WSO 6333 E. Mockingbird #147-817 Dallas, TX 75214

Please include your telephone number, email and snail mail address — to be used only and letters are sent out to connect with them as soon as members request to join. in case we have questions. (All contact info and authorship will be kept confidential in accordance with the 11th Tradition.)

The format for new daily meditations follows the format used in the book A Y ear of Miracles. The text can contain 100-200 words, including the quote, the member’s share, and the concluding statement, “Today, ______.”

Nicotine Anonymous daily meditations are best when related to the personal experience, strength, and hope of a member and/or supported by principles of recovery based on the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Nicotine Anonymous, Our Preamble, or text from our literature.

The quote can be from a Nicotine Anonymous member (to be cited as “Nicotine Anonymous member”) or from what is considered as “in the public domain for Fair Use” and citing the author.

Please note: - Contributors waive their right to financial compensation and grant all rights to Nicotine Anonymous World Services. - Meditations submitted may be edited as necessary for grammar and content. Contact either email address above Thank you for your service!

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0NAWSO Profit & Loss YTD Comparison January through June Jan - June Jan - June

2017 2016 Ordinary Income/Expense

Income 4000 · Donations 5,701.35 8,349.71 4100 · Literature Sales 13,200.57 14,372.57 4178 · 2018 Conference -1,000.00 -

4290 · Shipping & Handling Income 2,118.01 2,140.33 4296 · 2016 Conference Profit/Loss -65.00 - 49900 Non Profit Income 71.55 618.35 Sales of Product Income 0 63.63 Total Income $20,026.48 $25,544.59

Cost of Goods Sold 5000 · COGS 6,313.73 7,697.51 5001 · Cost of Goods Sold 0 45.00

5102 · Inventory Shrinkage 0 0

Total COGS $6,313.73 $7,742.51

Gross Profit $13,712.75 $17,802.08

Expenses 6000 · Office Expense 12,916.23 13,078.70 6600 · WSO Expense 3,807.62 2,497.18

Total Expense $16,723.85 $15,575.88

Net Operating Income $-3,011.10 $2,226.20

Other Income/Expense

8000 · Interest Income 23.84 24.98

Total Other Income $23.84 $24.98 Net Other Income $23.84 $24.98 Net Income $2,987.26 $2,251.18

SevenMinutes September 2017 Page 12

B I R T H D A Y C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

Post your Nicotine Anonymous birthday in SevenMinutes! Send in your first name, last initial and nicotine quit date.

Snail mail: Nicotine Anonymous World Services 6333 E. Mockingbird Lane #147-817 Dallas, TX 75214

Email: [email protected]

NicA Outreach

@nawsoutreach is the new Twitter HAVE AN IDEA FOR A PUBLIC presence for Nicotine Anonymous. SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT? We are looking to use Draft the text for a 15 or 30 second to stay in touch with those involved in audio PSA, or create your own audio file! helping nicotine users everywhere. For more information, contact: Got ideas for using social media to outreachcoordinator@nicotine- help us carry the message? anonymous.org Call Jeff at 760-401-6503. or call Jeff at 760-401-6503.

Is your group in need of newcomers? Try an Outreach project to get the word out! For more information, call Jeff at 760-401-6503 or send an email to [email protected]

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SevenMinutes September 2017 Page 14

Smoking is Not an Option

15

Seven Minutes NAWSO 6333 E. Mockingbird Lane #147-817 Dallas, TX 75214

Nicotine Anonymous has a venue to Publication dates and conduct Board Meetings, Intergroups, deadlines for and Committee Meetings online, with or SevenMinutes submissions: without telephone capabilities.

Publication Deadline Date for If you are a member of a group that is Date Submissions helping Nicotine Anonymous and want to utilize this technology, March 20 February 1 contact Chick at [email protected]

June 20 May 1 Individual training is available to learn this new venue. September 20 August 1 This online meeting format can also be used internationally. December 20 November 1

My Address Has Changed! Don’t miss an issue!!! Complete this form and mail it to: NAWSO, 6333 E. Mockingbird Lane, #147-817, Dallas, TX 75214 USA My new address and phone is:

______NAME PHONE (WITH AREA CODE)

______ADDRESS

______CITY STATE ZIP CODE

My old address was:

______ADDRESS STATE ZIP CODE

SevenMinutes September 2017 Page 16