VOLUME XX June 2010 Number 2

Send letters, articles, stories, poems, qualified and will provide excellent art•work, or other material for Seven NAWS Chairman’s report . . . Trusted Servant service. It was truly Minutes to: great to watch our Higher Power at work Seven Minutes I can’t believe it’s over. The as folks stepped up to the plate and took c/o NAWSO best year of my life. Because of all of open service positions and officer nomi- 419 Main St., PMB #370 Hunt- you, everything has come true. Martha nations out in Arizona. Way to go, every- ington Beach, CA 92648 said it when I accepted the nomination one! And John R, you’re going to make a

Subscription requests, circula- for Chair and asked her what it was like great Chair! This will now become the tion addi•tions and deletions may be … She said it was “Life Changing”. Truer best year of YOUR life! sent to the same address, or words were never spoken. Think of how go to: www.nicotine- many people go aimlessly through life We made great outreach strides anonymous.org Online material without a purpose. Not for us. We have this year. Internet inquiries have never may also be sent by email to: been given a sacred mission, a job to do, been stronger. With the new hospital regulations coming in to effect, our pres- SevenMinutesEditor@nicotine a calling. What higher calling can there ence at health fairs is even more criti- •anonymous.org be than to bring another person to recov- ery and know that we have helped save cal. Plus, we have the Akron CD out on All articles accepted for publication their life? No material blessing or career the website for you to download to MP3, may be reprinted in outside publi- and new outreach brochure which pre- cations in their entirety at the discre- accomplishment can take the place of sents, on paper, our three way access to tion of the chair and editor. this. Not to mention the total GIFT of living life smoke free. On this, the 25th help, namely Online, Telephone, and Face Your trusted servants, anniversary of our World Service Confer- to Face. How cool is THAT! Gary M., Publisher Kim F., Editor ences, we partied like it was 2025! We We were extremely pro-active Catherine C., Editorial Advisor earned it, we deserved it. There is truly with our merger of face to face and Joe S., Subscriptions no other group of people I’d rather be online meetings this past year. This is CONTENTS:- with, and I’m honored and proud to call something that truly distinguishes us you my family. That’s right. My fam- from the other fellowships. And our new NAWS Chairman’s Report ily. On our Silver Anniversary of World outreach to the Mental Health community By Jan S. Pg. 1 Services Conferences, our gift of freedom is also a distinguishing factor. To coin a What an Exciting Prospect! from nicotine is even more precious than book title from you-know-where, Nicotine silver and gold. By Dave A Pg. 3—5 Anonymous is coming of age as well. Hitting Rock Bottom I cannot say enough good things The technical advances we are By Dianne Pg. 6 about the Arizona Intergroup Conference making are moving faster than we could Almost to The Point of Suicide/Can’t Committee. What a great facility. Every- imagine. You should have been there to Quit thing ran without a hitch and you should see Judi be with us via Skype! Again, our be sitting back right now feeling pretty By Scott and Jeannie Pg. 6, 7 forward thinking Fellowship is getting a great about it all. We are ever so grate- Tempe 2010 jump on all the high tech and hopefully, ful for your hard work and hospital- we’ll include that in our Tradition 11, ref- By John R. Pg. 7, 8 ity. Please do it again in another five erencing “other electronic media”. The Divorce years, guys! We realize that many of you By Andi Pg. 8 could not come this year, and I’m sure I know I sound like a broken re- you already know what a great confer- cord when I keep repeating over and ANNOUNCEMENT ence it was, as the quality vs. quantity over that this is the best of all possible This is my last issue as Editor of Seven Min- principle was in full force. But we’ll see times to be involved with our Fellow- utes. After more than 4 wonderful and enrich- you next year, I’m sure. We missed you! ship. But it’s true. Thank God for Nico- ing years as your humble Editor, I am pleased tine Anonymous and all of you. to announce that the September issue will be We’ve made incredible progress under the hand of your new Editor, Chris H. I Enjoy your upcoming year smo- wish her the very best in her new service posi- this year and I’d like to share that with tion and look forward to a new and enriched you. It was all due to your World Ser- ber and we look forward to seeing all of Seven Minutes! To our loyal readers, my thanks vices Officers on the Board and the Com- you in Baltimore next year! for your attention, and for the trust you placed mittee Chairs, as they all worked to- in my poor editorial skills. It’s been a wonder- Love always, ful journey! gether so well. And our incoming officers Kim F. and committee chairs are equally well Jan S, Chair Emeritus 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. 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, 2. Came to believe that a Power greater The Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics than ourselves could restore us to and became willing to make amends to sanity. them all. Anonymous 3. Made a decision to turn our will and 9. Made direct amends to such people wher- 1. Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. our lives over to the care of God, as we ever possible, except when to do so unity. would injure them or others. understood Him. 2. For our group purpose, there is but one 4. Made a searching and fearless moral 10. Continued to take personal inventory, and ulti•mate authority--a loving God as he inventory of ourselves. when we were wrong, promptly admitted may ex•press Himself in our group 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to it. conscience. Our leaders are but another human being the exact nature of 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to trusted servants; they do not govern. our wrongs. improve our conscious contact with God as 3. The only requirement for A.A. mem- 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove we understood Him, praying only for bership is a desire to stop drinking. all these defects of character. knowledge of His will for us and the 4. Each group should be autonomous 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our short- power to carry it out. except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole. comings. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening 5. Each group has but one primary purpose as the result of these steps, we tried to 8. Made a list of all persons we had --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 Anony- problems of money, property and pres- 10. Continued to take personal inventory, mous tige divert us from our pri•mary pur- and when we were wrong, promptly 1. Our common welfare should come first; pose. admitted it. personal recovery depends upon Nico- 7. Every A.A. group ought to be fully self- tine Anonymous unity. supporting, declining outside contribu- 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to 2. For our group purpose there is but one tions. improve our conscious contact with ultimate authority a loving God as He 8. Alcoholics Anonymous should remain God as we understood Him, praying may express Himself in our group con• for•ever nonprofessional, but our only for knowledge of His will for us science. Our leaders are but trusted ser- service centers may employ special and the power to carry it out. vants; they do not govern. workers. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the 3. The only requirement for Nicotine 9. A.A., as such, ought never be organ- result of these steps, we tried to carry this Anonymous membership is a desire to ized; but we may create service boards message to other nicotine users and stop using nicotine. or committees directly responsible to to practice these principles in all our 4. Each group should be autonomous ex• those they serve. affairs. cept in matters affecting other groups or 10. Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name Nicotine Anonymous as a whole. ought never be drawn into public con- The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions re- 5. Each group has but one primary pur• printed and adapted here with the permission of troversy. pose - to carry its message to the nicotine 11. Our public relations policy is based on Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Permission to addict who still suffers. attraction rather than promotion; we reprint and adapt the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions 6. A Nicotine Anonymous group ought need always maintain personal ano- does not mean that A.A. is affiliated with this program. never endorse, finance, or lend the nymity at the level of press, radio and Nico•tine Anonymous name to any A.A. is a program of recovery from alcoholism-use of films. related facil•ity or outside enterprise, 12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation the Twelve Steps in connection with programs lest problems of money, property, of all our traditions, ever reminding us to and activities which are patterned after A.A., but and prestige divert us from our pri- place prin•ciples before personalities. which address other problems, does not imply mary purpose. otherwise. 7. Every Nicotine Anonymous group ought Our Preamble... to be fully self-supporting, declining Nicotine Anonymous is a fellowship of men and The Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anony- outside contributions. women helping each other to live our lives free of mous 8. Nicotine Anonymous should remain for nicotine. We share our experience, strength and hope with each other so that we may be free 1. We admitted we were powerless •ever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers. from this powerful addiction. The only requirement over alcohol-that our lives had become for membership is the desire to stop using nico- unmanageable. 9. Nicotine Anonymous, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create tine. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ser•vice boards or committees directly Anonymous membership; we are self- ourselves could restore us to sanity. respon•sible to those they serve. supporting through our own contributions. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives 10. Nicotine Anonymous has no opinion Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any over to the care of God, as we understood on outside issues; hence the Nicotine sect, denomination, political entity, organiza- Him. Anonymous name ought never be tion or institution; does not engage in any con- 4. Made a searching and fearless moral drawn into public controversy. troversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. inventory of ourselves. Our primary purpose is to offer support to those who 11. Our public relations policy is based on are trying to gain freedom from nicotine. 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to an- attraction rather than promotion; we need other human being the exact nature of our always maintain personal anonymity at Reprinted for adaptation with permission of the A.A. wrongs. the level of press, radio, TV, and films. Grapevine

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 2

caused to grieve. -- To be serious as a battlefield and What an Exciting Pros- -- To live at last true to the twelve playful as a child. step principles, which are for me, -- To reflect often that I am the pect . . . right now: funniest joke I've ever heard.

1. Humility -- To let my sternum, "Do that -- To feel like one of many. 2. Humility thing it do". -- To engage my other fellowships 3. Humility -- To comfortably know that with- without the stinging paradox of 4. Humility out these admissions, beliefs and nicotine. 5. Humility hopes shared with other nicotine -- To feel that I can begin to ex- 6. Humility addicts, I WILL SMOKE. press my gratitude for my Nicanon 7. Humility -- To behold the passage of time as fellows' extraordinary forbearance. 8. Humility an orderly thing – that, in faith, it is -- To enjoy being looked TO, in- 9. Humility always now – that, in faith, the stead of feeling looked AT. 10. Humility past and the future have no power, -- To feel restful in my imperfec- 11. Humility no substance that I need be con- tions, and to know that in them is 12. Humility cerned with whatsoever. where my creativity lies. -- To accept that I am fearful. -- To feel that people will come to -- To know the harness of my What an Exciting Prospect: trust that I have learned the honor- tongue. ing of boundaries. -- To watch die the voice that says, -- To behold the spirit change the -- To celebrate and share my "You are going to be a recovery voicing of my thoughts, i.e. from, "I uniqueness, to the degree that I expert." And to watch born the will face CONFLICT," to, "I will am mindful of my commonalities. voice that says, "You are going to FACE conflict." -- To marvel at the wedding of ordi- recover." -- To behold the spirit change the nary and extraordinary experience. -- To stop having to THINK about voicing of my heart, i.e. from, "I -- To hear my father say that he is my program so much, because I'm am this or that," to, "We are this or proud of me, and to believe him. To too busy living it. that." feel that he knows how much I love -- To behold that I am not at my -- To dwell in the victory, in the him, and to ease his approach to wits’ end; rather that, regarding Promises of the Twelve Step groups passing. To be restored to the nicotine, I had no wits to begin to which I belong. honor of his heritage. with, so I can't be at their end! -- To be at peace. Sweet, beautiful, -- To engage anyone, anywhere, at Looking for wits that aren't there to blessed peace. any time with confidence and with be found. -- To lay down that they would not my focus on their needs and de- help. To pick up that I will help. sires. With the knowledge shielded What an Exciting Prospect: -- To feel compassion for those who in my core that although it is be- still say, "I am humble," from cause of some, and in spite of oth- -- To let die the jokester, to let live within their pride. ers, the common denominator is the humorist. -- To walk in application, whereby my own growth. -- To be bold in the face of medioc- my attitude naturally shifts from

rity. problem to solution. What an Exciting Prospect: -- To have a positive self-image -- To glory vicariously in the fun

and burgeoning self-esteem, the that others have had, or are hav- -- To expose, at long last, the jewel waters to nicotine's oil. ing. these pressures have formed. -- To be wary that deceit, and a -- To walk with princes unsullied. -- To seek knowledge AND revel in smoke, is ever at the door. To walk with paupers unsullied. wonder. -- To be steadfast, without defer- -- To be fully, fully, fully human. -- To be content with what my life ence or kowtowing, in the face of isn't. mockery, ridicule, and accusation. -- To finally ease those souls I have (Continued on page 4)

(Continued from page 3) the Third Step. -- To see the end of this brutal What an Exciting Prospect: -- To stop feeling persecuted by the tango: I am what I think I am. I very pursuit of my dreams. am not what I think I am. I am -- To explore the ten thousand -- To stop feeling like prey to the what I think I am. I am not what I things while remaining in the one. psycho-analysis of others. think I am. etc. etc. -- To have a wholesome balance -- To no longer feel soooo belittled -- To feel that God is pleased with between space shared and space at the mention of my struggle with me, instead of angry with me. reserved. nicotine. -- To find a comfortable, manage- -- To not answer the temptation to able lifestyle for myself. raise any bars 'till I am clearing the What an Exciting Prospect: -- To feel OK about saying that I ones already there. went through what I went through -- To always regard the soundness -- To nurture the burgeoning hope for God's purposes. To believe that of my hull before the height of my in my belly - of the vast scope im- all I've been through was to further mast. plicated by the phrase, "The Jour- my reach... -- To revel in other points of view. ney" of the Nicotine Anonymous -- To behold that no one, no thing, -- To FEEL God's presence. program. no event, not even my own sub- -- To behold as a babe his design. -- To hold humility as my primary conscious mind can make me -- To bear out all gifts, hiding noth- obligation; as the very spouse to smoke - if I walk in the glory of the ing. abstinence itself. Whereas the lack truth as I see it - that we truly are -- To accept the need of pain, and united in love. to honor that the pain of others is equal to my own. What an Exciting Prospect;

What an Exciting Prospect: -- To remind myself and my fellows often, very often, that, no matter -- To be stoic as I unfold, not to what palace my life might become, fancy myself or my talents. it was raised from the gutters by -- To accept that no one's percep- the mercy of God. tion is fully accurate, and to keep -- To walk such that nothing should my mind cautious enough not to ever sway me from the group con- spur further inaccuracy. science of Nicotine Anonymous. -- To let the sails in my heart catch -- To muse that the arrest of nico- the winds of HARMONY...the voic- of it is worse than useless, it is tine use is in the drug of oxygen. ings of 12 Step-speak, and Chris- downright harmful to those coming -- To be justified in the mercy of tian-speak, and Buddhist-speak, behind me. And bitter to those who God and the loving wisdom of and Taoist-speak, and on and came before. group conscience. Whereas, other- on...all harmonics of the fundamen- -- To allow myself to be an impor- wise, spiritual law and natural law tal note, which is love. tant figure of a man and to witness remain to the right and the left of -- To stop being disgusted with God's victory in me over the voicing me - pulling in opposite directions. what it took to get me here. that has so hounded and paralyzed: -- To be the observer who restfully -- To experience the end of this "Don't be Self-Important" . watches my mind scamp around. stifling self-doubt - to experience -- To not begrudge any institution -- To feel through my mind, heart, the blossom of robust self- anything. body, and soul that I have accom- confidence. -- To participate in the out-flowing plished a searching and fearless -- To feel restful, that it is OK that I of Nicotine Anonymous: each mem- moral inventory, and that I have spent so long harboring so many ber being a hook UP for untold shared the whole of it with God and things. numbers of souls in their own lives, another human being. -- To no longer be convoluted by respectively. (Continued on page 5)

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 4

(Continued from page 4) not fulfill His plan for me without my -- To man up and speak up; having -- To hold it as a good thing when I funk. learned enough, I hope, about the see blindness in my mind. A good -- To see finance as an aspect of the dangerous inadequacies of lan- thing because I SEE it. If I can't see spiritual life. To lay down too much guage. it, it doesn't necessarily follow that care for material goods, but not to -- To be at peace and to grow in the it isn't there; it more likely follows pick up disdain towards materialism. understanding that any teachings that I am blind to the blindness. -- To remember constantly - with from those whose egos I presume to -- To want to pray; to like to pray; each breath - that the scope of be errant will remain but phan- to enjoy prayer; to steep in prayer. one's purpose and the depth of their toms…that it is only MY errant ego -- To be free of the self-mockery of passion have no helpful bearing which can give them substance. nicotine, which allows me to see WHATSOEVER in their recovery from -- To think things such as all these ever more clearly what I could be, a the malady of addiction. That fear is without being a bore! And to laugh white horse guy; but at the expense fear, and that is all. and let live those who still think I of seeing what I am (or at least of -- To develop in this primary equa- am. how I'm seen), a dreaming rogue. tion: that only in spirit do the ego -- To allow at least a few of `The -- To re-dedicate the "immediacy and the heart bolster each other. Endless Possibilities' to stick circuit" of my brain. From knowing One caring for the self, one caring around… (in the very twilight of waking) how for the other, respectively, in uni- -- To be `a guy with a bosom`: nur- many smokes I have on my night- son. turance and comfort for the hungry stand this morning, to knowing, in and confused, the cold and the that same twilight, how many souls frightened. I have to pray for this morning, and -- To be a healer, having learned what actions lie ahead for their bet- healing from the inside out. terment. -- To bear myself towards a singular mind. What an Exciting Prospect: -- To accept that all these exciting prospects, and so many more, have -- To displace the shadow thought, lain fallow in me due to the one un- "I am special," with the shadow exciting prospect. The one uncom- thought, "I am special `cause you fortable prospect at best. The one made me". terrifying prospect at worst. The -- To oblige the laws and customs of drifting away of Wilson at best. The our time, no matter how they may standing alone, naked in a firing line rub my grain. at worst….All the exciting prospects -- To stop giving service to the whip in life for this one unexciting pros- of peoples' inaccurate perceptions, pect: Not getting to smoke any whereby their perceptions may be- What an Exciting Prospect: more cigarettes. come accurate! -- To whisper God IN to the very -- To delight in the day, though I What an Exciting Prospect: places I used to shout Him OUT. stumble - even because I stumble - -- To never resort to holding my at "the enterprise of being me". -- To admit freely that I have been a head in my hands, except deliber- -- To choose battles with great care, god unto myself, and that I wasn't ately, for a healthy massage. and to reserve armory for those as very good at it… -- To know the difference between yet undisclosed. self-pity and sorrow. -- To come to happy terms with that Dave A -- To reach ever up, as the trees at once bewildering, suspect, and terri- mid-day, with the faith in my roots fying phrase - upon which mortality ever suckling the hope that I could is hinged: `the body is a temple'. (Continued on page 6)

(Continued from page 5) think I ever had asthma -- I {Editor’s note—the following is think it was just the cigarettes an exchange of messages from ~~~ and the inhalers opened up my the message board of Voices of lungs so I could smoke. I keep Nicotine Recovery, an online Hitting Rock Bottom . . . NicA group. It is used here with the inhalers in view so I don't I'm Dianne, a nicotine permission from both parties addict. I was offered my first forget that I had to use them involved. It is included to show cigarette at a drinking party when I smoked. the sort of support members give to one another every day in when I was just 15. I started I felt tired all the time or drinking and smoking at the the wide world of NicA} got tired very quickly on good same age. I don't remember days. But more than the physi- my first cigarette making me cal stuff, it was the nagging Almost to the point of sick. In fact I loved the taste of thought that I was not going to suicide/can't seem to tobacco and I knew I was going live to see my grandson raised to smoke again! I grew up and enter adulthood if I didn't quit . . . around cigarettes. My grand- stop smoking. That thought was mother, uncle, aunt, mom and always with me -- sometimes step dad all smoked. I don't stronger than others, but always I am having so much remember being repulsed by with me. Then the trip to my trouble right now! I buy packs of cigarettes like some kids are. I mom's and seeing her suffer cigarettes and am running out of don't remember the smell both- with advanced stages of COPD money already for this month ering me. I do remember won- from smoking put a lot of fear (I’m on a fixed income). I hate dering what it was like to into me. I got sick after getting myself so much for doing this: smoke. buying a pack, smoking a few, I was a daily smoker by then throwing the rest of them the age of 18. I got married at out because I feel so guilty and 19, my husband smoked, I ashamed that I am not able to smoked and most of our friends quit. I have bipolar disorder smoked. I never gave it a (manic depression) and smoking thought. I never connected and feeling so terrible about it smoking to health problems, causes me to feel so awful. I am current or future. I never afraid that I'm going to die from thought of smoking as an addic- cancer because of this. I'm tion. I never thought of nico- healthy now, but am still scared. tine. I didn't know anything I've been smoking for almost 30 about nicotine. I smoked, I years now. I hate myself for liked it and I didn't think about this, that I get a craving and am it, I just did it. not able to get past it. I started wanting to stop If anyone has any feed- back home and fell to my knees back for me, please write. I'm in my 30's. I ended up on and told my HP I was ready and chewing tobacco to curb the not asking for sympathy, just willing and thanked Him for the horrible withdrawals. I went some understanding and maybe desire to stop smoking. back to smoking and tried to a happy thought for me. stop smoking at various times So, I think my bottom Thank you very much throughout my life. My quits has been a process. Can I go to for your support. never lasted long. a lower bottom – of course! Do I want to – NO! I am really a Scott I started to get physical very lucky former smoker. I symptoms of smoking in my pushed the envelope for sure! I 50's. I went to the doctor very smoked for 47 yrs. I shouldn't short of breath and was told I ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ be here. I know each day is a had asthma. I was told to stop gift. I can't thank God Hi Scott, smoking and given inhalers to enough. My prayers are full of use. I used the inhalers on and Sorry to hear you have- thank you's. off since then until I stopped n't been able to get a quit going. smoking this time. I haven't NicA Hugs, It is really easy to beat our- had to use an inhaler since the selves up because we can't Dianne 2nd day I stopped. I coughed seem to quit when we want to, for nearly a month but didn't in our own time, on our own need the inhaler. I have no budget and our own watch. Un- ~~~ shortness of breath. I don't fortunately, that is what brings many of us to our knees with

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 6 this addiction. We want to do it our anyone, and I actually missed out looking forward to the 2010 WSO way... until we find out we just on a lot of my kids’ growing up be- Conference with lots of anticipation. can't. cause I stopped smoking around For the first time, a sizeable delega- them. I've been through it all... and tion of us online folks was able to Each one of your "failed" then I'd wind up feeling resentful commit to the trip. Some planned quit attempts has really not been a toward those people and all they did other visits along the way, making failure, at least not to you. Not be- was care about me. the festivities a small vacation. ing able to stop does not make YOU VONR (an online NicA group – Ed.) a failure. Our mistakes do not define And we're all at risk of can- members had planned accordingly, who we are, and this addiction is a cer, but being scared of "maybe" as it’s not often that members of the very tricky one, my friend. It will getting cancer never made me quit. online community meet each other make you feel like there is some- Not even seeing those I loved suf- in person. Sure enough, most of thing wrong with you, and that is fering from cancer. It didn't affect us arrived a day early, and spent not the case. me, I didn't think I would have to the time in fellowship. deal with it, or I figured, so what if I I will be honest, it took me 5 did? Actually, it worked out well, years to be brought to my knees. I or rather was supposed to work out smoked while pregnant with twins When you get the right quit well. My sponsor drove to Albuquer- and all throughout my other preg- going, just remember to expect the que, where I live, and another old nancies. I lied to everyone and hid cravings! They will come, whether online friend met her here. We at- my smoking from everyone because you smoke or not. But the only way tended the local NicA meeting here I just couldn't stop. I also hid behind to make the cravings go away is to in Albuquerque on the Wednesday "it's none of their business" and blah stop completely and refuse to night when we were to fly together blah blah ... It takes what it takes, smoke no matter what! I have a to Phoenix. Unfortunately, as things and then it takes some more... friend who quit smoking and also happen, circumstances prevented Mostly, it just takes time and pa- was Bi-polar, Manic depressive, and that from happening. I was never- tience with yourself. I will tell you I would greatly encourage you to theless able to catch a flight one that this is just my experience, and involve your doctors in your quitting hour behind them. After some help today I'm getting ready to celebrate process. I watched as my friend from yet another conference atten- 9 months nicotine free – a day I would lose control and disappear for dee (Rita) at the airport, I was able thought I would never see unless days; he would spend thousands of to be reunited with my friends (Miss they locked me up and threw away dollars, stay drunk for weeks, and Rosalind and Miss Aimee) in the ho- the key. Talk about feeling like a stop taking his meds. I know that tel lobby. The rest of the day was failure, I felt like I had even failed stopping nicotine can greatly affect spent with our new friends, as arri- as a mother, especially since I your mood, and I would really en- vals kept showing up. Each new ar- blamed myself for some health courage you to seek advice from rival added to the joy, and the NicA problems my kids have – one of my your medical professional... only he/ folks quickly grabbed a table in the kids has a bad heart condition re- she can determine what's best for lobby, and started firing communi- quiring several open heart surgeries you, especially with your suicidal/ cations into cyberspace on laptops. and future surgeries, and I blame depressed feelings right now. myself for that. But there's nothing I The conference itself was The other thing is, don't get can do to change it, and I couldn't eventful, with at least one "first". down on yourself. This addiction stop back then even knowing that I We were able to pipe in a member doesn't go away overnight, and was causing him harm. from Jerusalem. Ironically, the lady when you start the process of quit- who helped me at the airport had Anyway, the first piece of ting, be prepared to be in it for the been at the Jerusalem meeting the advice I will offer you is, when you long haul... Go to lots of meetings, week before – a testimony both to make money or other people or a connect with your higher power or how small the world is now, and to certain date or event the priority seek one, and prepare yourself with the strength of our fellowship. Fri- reason for quitting, you will always the tools, tips, steps, books, prayers day ended with the traditional meet- go back to smoking. If you are quit- and hopefully a good sponsor. ing, and I collapsed into a satisfied ting because you don't have much Think positive thoughts, you night’s sleep. money, when it comes down to a are in the right place, just don't quit craving, the nicotine will reason with Those of you who have been quitting. you that you will have more money to these conferences know, Satur- later. I've bought cigarettes even Really hope this helps! day is the busy day; it’s meetings without having food in my house or and workshops all day . . . usually gas in my car. And written many, your friend in recovery, on a dizzying array of topics and many hot checks just for my fix. Jeannie C. concerns. This year was no differ- When it comes to quitting for a ent; I had the pleasure of actually spouse, person you are dating, a ~~~ chairing 2 workshops, one of course child, a parent... that gives you the Tempe 2010 . . . being on my favorite topic, the 5th old feeling of rebellion, sneaking Tradition, carrying the message (we around smoking when no one sees. call it outreach). The other was

I always thought I wasn't hurting I really have to say I was (Continued on page 8) about bringing fellowship together. In over By Aimee C. you again. addition to the traditional face to face I've breathed in the clean fresh air of The conference was officially closed world, an increasing number of us when Jan S. handed me the gavel on freedom and vowed never again now get our meetings over the inter- the Sunday afternoon. As luck would Would I let you choke the very life net, or on the phone. Both the inter- have it, I was fortunate enough to out of me. net community and those who attend have my sponsor in the room; Rosa- the phone meetings were repre- lind H. read the Traditions at the Oh, but I've loved you for so long. sented at the conference. Our closing meeting of the conference. It And I forget how much power you trusty, now Emeritus, Treasurer, was then my great pleasure to intro- have over me. Scott B. was also called on to double duce Scott P. as our spirituality speaker, his fine message closing the You whisper to me... dip with the chairing. Like many oth- conference. What an honor it is to be Just one more time....just one more ers, I wish I could have been in all of of service to the fellowship. As I al- time. the workshops. What a dynamic fel- ways say, thank you Nicotine Anony- lowship we have! mous for my life. I am powerless. In a sense of irony, it John R. Despite my vows, was Scott P. (a member of the phone Despite my pain, bridge), who ensured our lady from ~~~ Despite the certain knowledge that Jerusalem’s access via the internet. you would ruin my life, Of course, of course at every confer- The Divorce . . . I put my lips to you, ence we have the banquet, and the and inhaled as much of you as I featured speakers this year included I've loved you longer than I've loved could in one breath, our very own founder, Rodger F. anything else in my life. I loved you when I was a child and I and I was imprisoned once again. Sunday of course brought the watched peeping from the stairwell election of this year’s Elect officers. I as you captivated all those around As in any abusive relationship, look forward to working with Mike B. you. Freedom takes time. (our Chairperson Elect), Gwen A (our I couldn't wait until you had me un- Each time I broke free of you I felt Secretary Elect), and Gary M. (our der your spell. stronger. Treasurer Elect). It promises to be a Each time I went back to you, great year moving forward, without The first time I was alone with you It took less time to break away. forgetting to mention the tireless was everything I wanted it to be. work done by the now Emeritus offi- I felt so many things. cers this past year. Thanks for han- I was dizzy with the experience of At first I hated you for stealing my dling the fellowship’s business so well loving you. life. this past year, Jan S., Scott B. and And I felt so grown up when I was Then I hated myself for letting you. Mary P., great job!!! with you. Then I sank to my knees and cried for help. The final act of the confer- ence was the passing of the You were always there for me... gavel. My only hope is that I can When my parents divorced, I loved you for so many years. follow in the tradition of this wonder- When my brother died, How could I live without you? ful fellowship, during my year as Ac- When my dreams were shattered, How could I live with you? tive Chairperson. I know that when I When my life was in shambles, was elected last year, I had no idea When I was scared, I'm free today. of what lay ahead. Jan has been a When I was angry, I don't know how or why. great teacher, as well as a gracious When I was alone..... human being. I have found those I can see you and my heart doesn't officers I have known in this fellow- skip a beat. ship, without exception, to be loving You never criticized me. You are a part of my past, a part of and dedicated. You never made me feel inferior. my story. You never let me down. But you are not my reality today. On yet another note, Nicotine I breathe in the clear air of freedom. Anonymous could not exist without a It baffled me to finally realize that in I breathe...and I am free. cadre of dedicated servants on your own quiet way, boards and committees. These members often perform the All you ever wanted to do was kill Andi seldom-noticed but indispensable me. January 29, 1996 duties of any organization. This 10 days free year, we had some big shoes to fill Such an abusive relationship! as Kim F. will be handing the Editor- Reposted April 21, 2010 ship of Seven Minutes over to Chris 7 days free H, and the Web Servant job so I've run from you time and again. ably filled by Dan P. will be taken I've sworn that I would never see

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 8

NAWSO Profit & Loss Prev Year Comparison January through September 2009 Jan - Dec Jan - Dec $ Change % Change 09 08

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income 4000 · Donations 8,482 7,279 1,202 17%

4100 · Literature Sales 45,698 39,731 5,968 15%

4290 · Shipping & Handling 5,893 5,047 847 17% 4299 · Conference Profit (Loss) 858 4,438 -3,580 -81%

Total Income 60,931 56,496 4,435 8%

Cost of Goods Sold 5000 · COGS 23,751 21,890 1,861 9%

Total COGS 23,751 21,890 1,861 9%

Gross Profit 37,180 34,606 2,574 7%

Gross Profit % to Income 61% 61% Expense 6000 · Office Expenses 24,299 22,071 2,228 10%

6600 · WSO Expenses 11,122 10,645 477 4% Total Expense 35,421 32,716 2,706 8%

Net Ordinary Income 1,758 1,890 -132 -7%

Other Income/Expense Other Income 8000 · Interest Income 12 878 -865 -99%

Total Other Income 12 878 -865 -99%

Other Expense

8030 · Interest Expense 0 12 -12 -100% Total Other Expense 0 12 -12 -100% Net Other Income 12 865 -853 -99% Net Income 1,770 2,755 -985 -36%

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 10

What Step Are You On? If you’ve worked Steps 1 or 2 already, please tell us about it!

Countless Recovering Nicotine addicts have been enjoying A Year of Miracles, our year-long powerful meditation book. You have the chance to be of service and share your experience strength and hope.

Please share your experience, strength and hope with your fellow re- covering nicotine addicts. Believe it or not, you do have experience, strength and hope to share. Your words are vital to our fellowship.

This quarter we are seeking daily meditations regarding working Steps 1 and 2 for a future meditation book. In keeping with the 12 Traditions, please avoid mentioning specific religions, politics, special causes, or controver- sial issues. Submissions should be no more than 200 words.

The editors can supply a quote or the thought for the day.

The form on the back is the conference-approved format.

Conference Approved Format for a Daily Meditation submission Please make additional copies for your group Quote or Affirmation: (Cite Source)•••••••••

______

______Meditation

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

______

Thought for the day: ______

______

______

Submissions may be typed or neatly handwritten. Please mail all submissions to: Nicotine Anonymous World Services Attn: Daily Meditation Book Coordinator 419 Main Street, PBM 370, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Or email: Daily [email protected]

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 12

Service is the Key

Nicotine Anonymous World Services is in need of volunteers to take on the following open positions:

TELEPHONE AND E-MAIL SERVANTS

From the comfort of your own home, you can respond to telephone calls and e-mails from those who are just starting out on their path to freedom.

TRANSLATORS Help us spread the word by translating our literature, or step up to the plate when foreign-speaking inquiries come to our attention

For further information about any of these service positions, please contact Nicotine Anonymous World Services 419 Main Street, PMB #370 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Or e-mail [email protected]

NICA AROUND THE WORLD UK Meetings Write to: Nicotine Anonymous PO Box 1516 LONDON SW1H 9WT Tel: 020 7976 0076 (please leave a message) Web: www.nicotine-anonymous.co.uk United Kingdom meetings... This message was posted on the online message board about meetings in the United Kingdom. To check out the NicA UK homepage go to this link. http://www.nicotine-anonymous.co.uk/ If you want to start a meeting in UK, call 020 7976 0076 for a starter pack. Service is the Key... Only you can tell your story. What was your life like as an active addict? What happened to get you in the door? What were your breakthroughs? Personal stories, articles, poems, art, jokes or adds pertaining to nicotine, nicotine recovery and Nicotine Anony- mous can be sent to [email protected] or by snail mail to Seven Minutes c/o NAWSO 419 Main St., PMB #370 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. NICOTINE ANONYMOUS

Nicotine Anonymous Offers Help to All Nicotine Addicts; Support Available to Those Who Wish to Stop Smoking 365 Days a Year

Nicotine Anonymous is a non-profit, 12–step fellowship of men and women helping each other to live nicotine-free lives. Nicotine Anonymous welcomes all those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction, including those using cessation programs and nicotine withdrawal aids. The primary purpose of Nicotine Anonymous is to help all those who would like to cease using to- bacco and nicotine products. The fellowship offers group support and recovery using the 12- Steps adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. For the millions of people who will try to quit smoking this year, Nicotine Anonymous of- fers ongoing support to all those who desire it for an unlimited time. Their sole focus is helping the still suffering nicotine addict 365 days a year. There are no dues or fees for Nicotine Anonymous membership as the organization is self-supporting through member contributions. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using nicotine. Founded in 1983, Nicotine Anonymous has over 600 meetings throughout the United States and 35 other countries. A full list of meetings and other information is available on the Internet at http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org. Or write: Nicotine Anonymous, 419 Main St., PMB #370, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Or email: [email protected] Their toll free phone number is 877-879-6422. Books, pamphlets and other literature can be ordered at a nominal cost.

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 14

B I R T H D A Y C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S ! Terry L. Nov. 29th, 2009 John S. Feb. 25th, 2009 Birthday Announcements

N A M E ______

The above-named member of Nicotine Anonymous stopped using nicotine

on ______and has ______years of freedom!

Mail to: Nicotine Anonymous World Services 419 Main St., PMB#370 Huntington Beach, Ca. 92648 USA. OR Email to: [email protected]

Give Back! You Can't Keep it Unless You Give It Away Nicotine Anonymous World Services is seeking servants for a variety of positions within the fellowship. Please see the contact information below if you would like to learn more about these service opportunities. Please share this flyer with your group. Remember, you have to give it away to keep it. E-Mail Volunteers-Share your experience, strength and hope with people around the world who email us. Help them find meetings and answer questions about NicA. Provide about thirty minutes a week from your home or office computer. Telephone Servants-Respond to telephone calls from people taking their first step on the journey. One day of service per week from the comfort of your own home. Email/Penpal Coordinator-Responsible for receiving email requests for pen pals; adding names to the email pen pal list; and sending out the list. For further information about any of these service positions, please contact: E-mail~: [email protected] Write: Nicotine Anonymous World Services 419 Main Street, PMB#370 Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Seven Minutes NAWSO 419 Main St., PMB # 370 Huntington Beach, Ca 92648

Publication dates and Deadlines for Submissions For 2010

Publication Deadline Date for date Submissions

March 20 February 1 June 20 May 1

September 20 August 1

December 20 November 1

SEVEN MINUTES June 2010. Page 16