Volume XXX Number 4

Chairperson’s Report food, good fellowship, a bonfire, visit to Interested in contributing Woodstock and hike in the mountains to Seven Minutes? created a perfect setting for the board to Send letters, articles, stories, poems, Greetings. Depending on where you live, artwork, or other material to: you may be witnessing the beauty of continue the work of growing the fellow- SevenMinutes nature going to sleep for the winter. ship.We approved several literature c/o NAWSO items to present to the fellowship for a 6333 E. Mockingbird Lane However, Nicotine Anonymous World #147-817 Services is not preparing for sleep — we vote at our 2020 conference. The updat- Dallas, TX 75214 are preparing for We Can See Clearly ed website was reviewed which included or email to: expanded Archives items showing our SevenMinutesEditor@nicotine Now conference 2020 in Lancaster ­anonymous.org County, PA. I continue to be filled with rich history. Open positions were noted gratitude for the amazing servants who and discussion held on seeking new offic- All submissions may be edited as have volunteered their time and talent to ers to be elected at the conference. We necessary for grammar and content. had a few remote participants attending make this a successful conference. Subscription requests, circulation the board meeting via Zoom. additions and deletions may be sent by mail to the address above, Each year one of the conference agenda or go online to: items is to vote on new literature or edits It is hard to believe that almost 6 www.nicotine-anonymous.org to current literature, and this year is no months have passed since I became ac-

All articles accepted for publication exception. If you have not seen the no- tive chair. Some days have been difficult may be reprinted in outside tice on our website, please go there and in handling the duties of being chair and publications in their entirety at the discretion of the chair and editor. review the suggested literature items. I sometimes question why I am doing Your input is important and valued. this. The answer is always the same: I Your trusted servants, love this fellowship and the people in it, Chris H - Editor Margie L & Colin A - Contributors Much goes on behind the scenes of our and felt it was time to give back in a way Teresa I - Subscriptions fellowship. Many servants offer service to that many others have given so that the fellowship was there when I needed it. keep the fellowship offering hope to ARTICLES & FEATURES those still suffering from nicotine addic- And several of those same people have “Trapped in a Cage” tion, and those in recovery to maintain supported me through those unpleasant by Ken M………………………… …. Pg. 3 smobriety. We recently lost one of our times. It is truly a beautiful thing, this “A Magical Day in the Country” faithful servants, Jill O. She is sorely “we” program. What a gift. Those same by Michael B…………...…………...Pg. 3 missed, and her memory will remain in people have been with me when we From the Free Bridge the hearts of those whose lives she could celebrate successes as well, and Phone Group……………….………..Pg. 3 touched. We are grateful for her many work to resolve an issue, knowing if we “A Christmas Miracle” years of selfless service. just keep putting one foot in front of the by Colin A……………………………..Pg. 4-5 other, keep doing the next right thing, it SevenMinutes Affirmation……….Pg. 5 Speaking of opportunities to be of ser- will all work out as it is supposed to. “Attending the Moscow NicA Meeting vice, NAWS has a few open positions, Using WhatsApp” including Bylaws Coordinator, Archives All that to say that if you feel that stir- By Checko M………………………….Pg. 6 Coordinator and Meeting List Coordina- ring within, the still small voice calling Upcoming NicA Event……………..Pg. 7 tor. Please contact me for information at you to a different level of service as I Upcoming Phone Marathon [email protected] did, please pay attention to the nudge. Meetings……………………………….Pg. 7 Giving to the Gift of Gratitude and offer- Quote Corner…………………………Pg. 7 The NAWS board held our quarterly ing service at the local level is all good. “Stepping Up To Be of Service board meeting on October 18 at Clean in We need some folks to step it up a notch By Bill H”……………………………….Pg. 7-8 the Catskills, New York Metropolitan Area though, so when we change officers at “Grateful and Joyous” Intergroup’s annual retreat. Thank you the conference, we will have others to fill by Margie L……………………...…...Pg. 8 1 NYMAI for your hospitality. The good continued on page 3 Gratitude in Action…………………Pg. 8 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- 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove we understood Him, praying only for bership is a desire to stop drinking. 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. Alcoholics Anonymous 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 alcoholism-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 addiction. 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 a re s e l f - 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our responsible to those they serve. supporting through our own contributions. Lives over to the care of God, as we under 10. Nicotine Anonymous has no opinion Nicotine Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, political entity, organiza- stood Him. on outside issues; hence the Nicotine tion or institution; does not engage in any con- 4. Made a searching and fearless moral Anonymous name ought never be 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 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to an- are trying to gain freedom from nicotine. other human being the exact nature of attraction rather than promotion; we need our wrongs. always maintain personal anonymity at Reprinted for adaptation with permission of the the level of press, radio, TV, and films. A.A.

SevenMinutes December 2019 Page 2 Chairperson’s Report cause I don't want to forget the cage I where each member constructed his could be trapped in again. or her own kabobs, and there were continued from page 1… plenty of extras including baked pota- Ken M toes, vegetables, salad, desserts and the positions of Treasurer-elect, Sec- Sunrise Beach, MO more. retary-elect and Chair-elect. If you have questions, please ask me or any ************ The outdoor evening meeting treated of the board members. us to a very large full moon that rose A Magical Day in the just as we were beginning, and a With gratitude, spectacular sunset as we were closing. Sharon C Country: June 15, 2019 Grace and Keith ’ s generosity even NAWS Chairperson Breath of Fresh Air Retreat - extended to providing bedrooms for A NEW Nicotine Anonymous the members who wished to stay the night. This was the first of more to Event, sponsored by NicAMar, come; there was plenty of room and the Mid-Atlantic Intergroup of food for more. We are all looking for- Stay connected to Nicotine Anonymous ward to having you join us next year. Nicotine Anonymous World Services! On June 15 four cows, two new-born In service, calves, 2 dogs and a dozen chickens Michael B

greeted the NicA members who at- West Babylon, NY Receive emails directly tended the first annual Breath of from the NAWS board by Fresh Air Retreat on Grace and Keith’s ************ subscribing to NicA News farm in Keymar, Maryland. Members From the seeking to escape the grind and enjoy special fellowship, meetings and great Free Bridge Telephone food attended and were able to join with nature and enhance their spiritu- Group...

al connections to their Higher Power. The event was planned to be rain or Enjoy this song parody from the shine, but weather was warm and members of the Free Bridge, sung to To subscribe, click the breezy with intervals of sun breaking the tune of Celebrate good times… Newsletter tab on the through the clouds. It was so pleasant Come on! NicA website at that this writer even had time to take http://nicotine- a brief outdoor catnap during one of Celebrate good times….come on! anonymous. the free times. It was a breath of There’s a NicA meeting going on org/nica-news-email- fresh air that this old recovering right here communications.html smoker’s lungs embraced. It lasts throughout the year

The day began with arrivals and re- For some good times and freshments. Coffee, lemonade, iced tea, fresh fruit, and muffins were recovery too Trapped in a Cage… available all day long. The cows and We want to help and share

How do I escape from myself? I used calves were friendly, accepting and with you! nicotine to do that. Then the day entertaining. Once gathered, we all So come on now!!! came when I was still using but could- boarded a hay wagon and were Celebrate your time, come on! n't make "it" go away, whatever “it” brought by tractor out to the farm field amid the new-mown hay and was at the moment. I was trapped in We share recovery each time alfalfa where we had our first meeting a prison without the reward. I wanted together escape but couldn't do it alone. right there in the hay wagon. Have On the phone we come together you ever smelled new-mown hay and It doesn’t matter if it’s bad Then I found NicA. I saw nicotine ad- alfalfa? It added to the spiritual quali- dicts like me who were free. You ty of the sharing, and from the begin- weather helped me see I was like a thief who ning, sharing was open and honest. So everyone around the world, broke into a house through a window, We were surrounded by vast open come on! only to find the front door was un- fields and countless barn swallows and butterflies. Then it was back to the locked all the time. The Spirit has farmhouse for lunch and free time always been there to free me, but I Important note: followed by a guided meditation and needed your experience to show me The Free Bridge has moved! the second meeting. In fact, meetings the way. Come and join us went on all day whether formal or 712-770-5398 / 207490# informal. Dinner was a barbecue

Today I continue with recovery be

3 A Christmas Miracle… twenties, and certainly not on a daily Nicotine Anonymous basis. I also tended to smoke alone to

Whenever I picked up smoking, I did it maximize the hit I would get from it. The only requirement for far more often and for far longer than I Smoking really shaped my life. membership is a desire to ever wanted to. I had virtually the same stop using nicotine. thought, every single day: "I'll stop to- Over time I became more worried, and morrow, so I can indulge myself today. I researched lots of ways to stop. I talked can enjoy my treat, my little buzz." This to health services, read books and even Meeting Options: was always followed by regret and tried Nicotine Anonymous. My first shame because I'd lost hope for another meeting was some 8 or 9 years before I Face-to-face meetings day. I smoked consistently like this, stopped. For the first 6 or 7, I would Telephone meetings always abandon the struggle. The last with occasional breaks, between the Online meetings ages of 16 and 42. (I'd also smoked a couple of years, I really knew I had to little bit at about 11 years old.) change, and I attended phone, internet and face-to-face meetings consistently. To find face-to-face meetings: I often sought out advice on stopping. I I was fortunate to find a member who Go to www.nicotine-anonymous.org had tried nicotine replacement in the said he'd been free from smoking for Click on Meetings and search by past but always seemed to smoke in over 2 years and that he would be hap- state. addition to the patch or inhalers I was py to try to help me stop. given. As well as nicotine, I was addict- ed to other elements of smoking - the This sponsor helped me really get hon- smell, the ritual of inhaling, etc. I could est with myself. When I said, "I'm trying understand that smoking didn't really do to stop," he immediately talked about For phone meetings: much for me, that most of the pleasure when I should set a quit date, and that I Go to www.nicotine-anonymous.org of smoking was just the relieving of should speak to him regularly, until and Click on Meetings, then cravings. In theory I was always stop- on that day. Calling him on the planned Telephone Meetings. ping; in practice I kept on smoking eve- date made a huge difference. It helped ry day. stop me from secretly breaking my own For online meetings: promises. He also encouraged me and Go to www.nicotine- The consequences started small and reminded me that I had one objective anonymous.org added up over time. I had progressive for the day - to get through without Click on Meetings, loss of circulation in my fingers, espe- picking up. I know now I hadn't really then Internet Meetings. cially on my left hand. In cold weather stood a chance while trying to quit on In this section are my fingers would go white and I would my own. In that secrecy, the addiction live links to two sites lose all feeling in them. I lost teeth and found an angle to keep me smoking offering the ability knew that was partly because of the every day. to post messages and receive re- way the smoking weakened my system. sponses. Both require the individual I developed the kinds of coughs and For the first time in over four years, I to join the site in order to take ad- colds that never seemed to go away. A went through a day without smoking. It vantage of some of the extra couple of years the problems with my was Friday, December 21, 2018. I kept services, such as searching for sinuses meant that I could not breathe it up till that Sunday evening, but then specific posts or files. while lying down, and I had to get up to relapsed. I was unhappy at work and Unofficial Nicanon has "Type unblock them throughout the night. found the excuse to go smoke again. I Share" meetings. It can be found at: resisted using the tool of “discuss,” https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/ which left me defenseless. It didn't feel groups/unofficialnicanon/info good at all afterwards, but thanks to the Voices of Nicotine Recovery progress over the previous three days, I (VONR) has "Voice Share" meet- was able to get started again on Mon- ings using a free chat service that day, Christmas Eve. It was hard again, can be downloaded. and I had to use all the “5 D” tools, VONR can be found at: along with the Serenity Prayer, a meet- http://voicesofnicotinerecovery.com ing and the Nicotine Anonymous slo- Financially, I gave myself severe conse- This site also has other helpful gans. quences with serious debts. I don't and information about nicotine addiction have never had a high income, but I and links to prior speaker shares. Over the Christmas holiday period, I spent more than a third of my other went to a lot of phone meetings on the costs of living on smoking. There were FreeBridge. There was a meeting mara- other impacts such as the smell, the thon on one of the days. I started get- yellow fingers and teeth and my in- ting to know people. At first all I could creasing isolation, as I became more hear were a lot of loving people. I could and more out of step with peers of barely distinguish from one to the next, mine. Few peers smoked beyond their continued on page 5

SevenMinutes December 2019 Page 4 but in due course I really got to hear ing at the sky and my surroundings in- them. stead of studying the ground and trying Ready to work the to force the buzz I was looking for. Twelve Steps? Accumulating clean time felt surreal at Try the times, after desiring it for so long. It can On colder days I think my fingers have Nicotine Anonymous be difficult to believe the change is real- been less prone to losing circulation ly happening. than they were last year. It is nice to Step Study Workbook know I am not making it worse, any- Back at work the following Sunday, I way. It has also felt good to go running nearly fell into the same traps as the from time to time, and not feel deep week before, despite the 6 days clean down that I am about to undo the good time I had. I couldn't bring myself to that is being done by smoking immedi- call my fellows, so powerful was the ately after. That's a gift. It has also felt Available for purchase at urge inside when my shift ended. But good to tell my doctor and other health www.nicotine-anonymous.org the “delay” tool and eventually bringing professionals that I am currently smok- myself to discuss it with others got me ing “zero” cigarettes per week. It some- through. Instead of automatically buying times surprises me that I can say that! SevenMinutes a coffee and a smoke, I delayed and Affirmation distracted by walking past the shops, I have been grateful to have been given getting to the bus stop and waiting, some service all year with one of the allowing the time to pass, and stepping phone meetings. I find the love and care on to the bus when it came. that passes between the members of the meeting to be wonderful. The ser- Getting back home clean, with cravings vice helps stop my head from convincing having passed and my thoughts about me (as it surely would) that I can smoke With courage granted, work fading, I had a new gratitude and “this one day” when I am feeling down. onward we grow. a new strength around not having to try I lost quits in the past because I forgot We lose the weight on to start a quit all over again. Six days or didn’t realize I was an addict, and our shoulders and smober was a precious but precarious thought that I could casually smoke just stop running the show. state! for one day. It NEVER turned out that way. - Melissa R Thankfully the mental obsession with Akron, OH smoking has slowly faded. The hungry Sometimes recovery is slow for me, as sensory recollection of what it felt like to has been the case with my progress in smoke came round and round for a long the Step workbook with my current Save the Date! time, especially whenever I was upset. sponsor. I always want the benefits of But most of the time it was surprisingly recovery but sometimes am less willing Nicotine Anonymous easy to acknowledge how grateful I was to go through the process of attaining World Services for my new freedom. them. However, the honesty of the pro- Conference cess has repeatedly helped me stay My finances are still not good, but you grateful for the fact I no longer spend #35 know what we addicts are like - I'd have approximately two or three hours each “We Can See found a way to keep smoking every day day smoking, or in smoking-related ac- if I was still using. An early gift from tivities. I trust the Steps and am very Clearly Now” quitting was the feeling of freedom I happy to have them in my life, along had walking out of my home without with all the tools NicA has shown me. I rushing around, patting my pockets, am grateful to so many people in the trying to find my tobacco and all the fellowship for their patience, compas- smoking paraphernalia. (I usually rolled sionate listening and kind support. I April 24, 25, 26 my cigarettes.) hope to pass some of that on to others. 2020

I found my eyeline was lifting too. When I'm also grateful to say that as I write, I I smoked, my head always went down haven't smoked or used any form of The Holiday Inn to concentrate on getting the cigarette nicotine at all since December 24, 2018. 26 E. Chestnut St. lit. It stayed down because I felt I had Lancaster, PA to avoid the gaze of passers-by who Colin A might chastise me for puffing and send- United Kingdom 17602 ing smoke into their airways. I was so used to crossing over the road to avoid Details to follow! other people because of that! It felt re- ally liberating to have my head up, look

5 Attending the Moscow and I could help with translation as there were not many people here who NicA Meeting Using Want to get involved could speak English. I thought it was with Outreach to help ridiculous to translate a text and WhatsApp… your group and/or smoke. I knew our program is spiritu- Intergroup? al, not religious, which is an important As a result of my ongoing contact with note. Since I knew there was Checko members of the Moscow NicA meeting, with huge experience, he doesn't we will soon be publishing as on- smoke, and he serves, so he could demand books the Russian transla- help us develop our group. tions of The Book, A Year of Miracles, Attend our and the Step Study Workbook. The monthly Outreach I KNEW that NicA works when I am relationship led to my being invited to teleconference working it, but I didn't believe it would be the speaker at their Sunday meet- meeting! work for me, I felt unique, like the ing (2 PM Moscow time, 7 AM NY special smoker of all time, and that time). Anna, from Moscow, arranged 2nd Saturday nothing would work for me. I strug- for me to join their meeting using of the month gled, I controlled, I bargained with WhatsApp. Skype was another option, at 2PM EST Higher Power all the time and tried to which I don’t have set up. Anna was guess when I would receive the gift of my translator for the meeting. freedom. I was like a little kid - Join our Zoom meeting "Now?" "Maybe now?" "What about I decided to write out my online at https:// right now?" “script” ahead of time and email it to zoom.us/j/213252862

Anna so that she could see if anything One tap mobile: I kept coming to meetings and served. I was to say would be too difficult to +16465588665, It felt like a miracle when I was sitting translate. Also, she could be prepared 213252862# in a cab talking to Checko to prepare to translate exactly what I said, be- or dial by your location last minute things before the meeting. tween my indicated pauses. +1 646 558 8665 I felt grateful, I felt inspired, I felt

freedom as I didn't want to smoke. My video share enabled me to see the Meeting ID: 213 252 862

Moscow members in their meeting I am an unquenchable person. I am room. I focused mostly on my journey an addicted person. When I hear "I with service and the commitment received much more than just to stop to Keep Showing Up. My share closed smoking, I got spiritual awakening," I with what I wrote about my connec- immediately can hear the Queen song tion between the Steps and service mind which is really attractive. I can "I want it all, I want it all, I want it all, (see “Gratitude in Action” on page 8). see a strong foundation of the pro- and I want it now." :)

gram. Thank you, Checko! After I shared, Anna translated a few * I feel really grateful to Checko. Maybe I became a little – super little - questions members wanted to ask me. * Anna, thank you and Checko for more patient and I meant it not On the whole the experience went serving. "now,” but in this life. I want to live, quite well and Anna said her members and I started to live again in the pro- were very appreciative. And this from Anna: gram. It is much more than just not

The day I was planning to translate a lighting a cigarette again and again. Checko M NicA WSO member was my 56th day Literature, Translations, International of freedom of nicotine. I have been I was really inspired by Checko’s sto- Groups Coordinator smoking for 15 years without any ry. It was very important to hear it

breaks. I have kept coming to meet- and to see his support of a world com- Subsequent Feedback from Mos- ings after more than 2.5 years of munity. It was a pleasure to see the cow members: smoking. eyes of group members and to see * Three years ago we could not even Checko on the computer screen. It dream about such an event as a WSO When we started organizing Checko’s was fun - an amazing, fresh new ex- speaker at our meeting! I was very talk, I was still smoking. Thank you for perience. I hope there will be more pleased and honored to watch and this opportunity to serve. I started to people from WSO who come virtually, listen to a person who has not been serve on the Translation Committee in and maybe one day physically to our smoking for 30 years, and who is a 2017. I was freaked out that I was meeting to share their experience, NicA member! Hope has appeared that smoking and I hated NicA literature - hope and strength! I can do it too. there were not any vibes in my heart, * Everything was super cool. I en- just anger and discontentment. How- Hugs to WSO and to Checko from the joyed that. I appreciate to listen to a ever, I wanted to "start not smoking," Sayany group in Moscow! lot of experience and I felt peace of

SevenMinutes December 2019 Page 6 Upcoming Stepping Up To Be One such example comes to mind. I had been going to my NicA meeting Nicotine Anonymous of Service… for 4 years. Most of the people who Event were there when I started had

I love the Nicotine Anonymous version stopped coming. I was now the senior NicA Winter Potluck of The Third Step Prayer. I don’t like member and had been secretary for January 25 to say prayers by rote. I try to inter- the previous 6 months. This was to be San Rafael, CA nalize them and really mean them. my last week performing that duty

This prayer is actually a very radical and I thought to myself, “I don’t think

request, especially the pleas to “Free I’m going to come to this meeting

me from the bondage of self” and to anymore, God. I’ve paid my dues. But

“Free me from (fantasy and) fear.” let me know if You still want me to go.

Thy will, not mine be done.”

Self-centered fear is the root of my For event details, see flyer at addiction problem. The solution that I got to the meeting and was setting nicotine-anonymous.org the 12 Step world has given me is to up when a frantic woman rushed

be of service to others, thereby get- in. “OMG!” she exclaimed, “I started ting out of self. It started with giving Upcoming Phone smoking this weekend. I had 7 years rides to newcomers, handing out nicotine-clean but I broke up with my Marathon Meetings chips, serving as secretary of my boyfriend and was so freaked out that December 25 Thursday night meeting, and eventu- I started smoking. I used to go to NicA “Holiday Marathon” ally taking service roles outside the all the time.” I asked her when she January 1 meeting. stopped going to meetings and she “Ringing in the New Year” said, “Around 4 years.” I was so enamored with the NicA ver- All meetings are hosted by the sion of the Third Step Prayer, that I Alright God, I got the message. I said, FreeBridge Telephone rarely looked at the Grandfather pro- “I’ll just keep going to the meetings, Meeting group gram’s version, and only in recent and You let me know if You want me years did I go to a meeting where to stop coming.” It’s been over 20 On each date meetings begin at 8 am EST they read it. It too contains a radical years now and all I hear is “Keep com- and run at the top prayer, “May I do Thy will al- ing back.” of every hour. ways.” You mean everyone in the 12 Last meeting starts at 11 pm EST. Step universe has been chanting doz- About 8 years ago, I was reading our ens of times a day, “God, not my will, Southern California Intergroup report, *A different topic for but Thine be done”? I haven’t. Am I each meeting* and once again they were begging the only slacker? I’m more like, “My people to stand up and take a leader- New Phone: 712-770-5398 will be done, and hopefully that coin- ship role in SCINA. The same people New Pass code: 207490# cides with Your will.” Fortunately, it’s had been doing it year after year and See nicotine-anonymous.org progress and not perfection. were burned out. I had been to one for information on Intergroup meeting very early on in all regularly-scheduled When I thought about it, I did have to my smobriety and decided it was not NicA phone meetings give myself credit because what my for me. But with double-digit smobrie- sponsor trained me to do was to seek ty, something tugged in my heart that Quote God’s will. “What do you think God maybe it was my turn to step up. So I wants you to do in this situation?” he went to the Intergroup meeting, will- Corner would ask. At first, like a deer in the ing to take a role if they asked headlights, I had no clue. This was a me. Maybe they wouldn’t want me, I “The best thing about the spiritual muscle I had to learn to de- thought. As it turns out, the Secretary velop, and although I don’t go through and Treasurer fought over who would future is that it comes only my everyday life chanting, “Thy will get me, and I ended up being SCINA not mine be done,” I do run my ideas Treasurer … for 6 years. one day at a time.” past my Higher Power (and sponsor) before headstrongly exerting my self- - Abraham Lincoln At past NAWS Conferences, I had will. been approached about being chair- person before, but came up with some

7 excuse each time. This year that old Grateful and Joyous… Prayer. I ask to be granted the sereni- ty, courage, and wisdom to change the tug came again. It was a good time in things I can. Or, as the Beatles sang, my life to take this role (while I still “Hey Jude, take a sad song and make have enough brain cells left to do it). I I am no longer practicing nicotine addiction. it better.” went with an open heart to accept a Being a part of a program gives me role if offered. a reprieve. One reason I used nicotine was that

I daily practice acceptance and action. common human desire - to feel better. Sure enough, I was asked to accept They say all I had to do is begin to I’ve followed the Twelve Steps to free myself, to know myself better, and to the nomination for chairperson. I believe. talked to a few of the past chairs and have a spiritual awakening — and decided it was within my skill set, so I The greatest thing I have now is hope. now I feel better! Service provides me said I’d think about it. I went up to my I no longer have to believe a lie. with emotional nourishment — and I feel better for it. room before dinner, prayed, and did The pain of nicotine is no joke. my 20 minutes of meditation. As I was No more coffin nails to buy. Here is how I believe that service and coming out of it, I heard, “ It ’ s your I had to persevere to get my new quit. the Steps work together to feel better: time.” So I told them I would accept I have the tools and the five Ds. the nomination. My attitude was, “No Now nicotine is not hurting me one bit. 1. Service shows I am not powerless one else wants to do it. Okay, I’ll do I am grateful and joyous as I please. to act and responsibility helps manage th it.” Later, while doing my 10 Step my life. before retiring, I realized that wasn’t Twelve steps are the road to recovery the best possible attitude to for us. 2. Service restores me to sanity and have. Being chairperson of NAWS is an I remember not to take my freedom self-worth. for granted. honor and a privilege. I should be ex- cited to have the opportunity to serve Using the tools that I know I must. 3. Service turns my will and life over to the care of a Higher Purpose. the fellowship and participate in my I do not allow a cigarette to get me enchanted. recovery this way. I did a little attitude 4. Service demonstrates that I have adjustment and went to bed. I am grateful for the money I save. moral characteristics to put in my per-

I know it's a new lease on living. sonal inventory. In the morning before elections, I rode No more smoking for the crave. down in the elevator with a new friend Helping other addicts is my way 5. Service reveals my true calling to who asked, “Are you going to accept of giving. others and to a Higher Purpose. the nomination?” “Yes,” I told her, “I think I am.” She nodded and said, “It’s How great it is to be nicotine-free. 6. Service helps me become entirely your time.” Alright God, I got the mes- I want to sing and dance. ready to change. sage. This miracle has happened to me. Giving myself life's new chance. 7. Service humbly lifts me from “the

With a little self-centered fear, I re- burden of self.” Margie L mind myself that if God brought me to Savannah, Georgia 8. and 9. Service is an active way to it, He will surely bring me through it. I am grateful to this year’s chair, Sharon make amends. C, for leading the way and giving me the confidence that I can do this. And 10. Service continually focuses me on the intent and outcome of my behav- soon enough, someone (maybe you) Gratitude in Action… ior. will listen to the tug in their heart and volunteer to be next in line. This is a Service is transformative; it brings 11. Service is spirituality in action and “we” program. Everyone should take about positive change in me and for it improves my conscious contact with their turn to step up and be of service, others. My service began, the same as my Higher Purpose. to get out of self, and to express grati- my gaining freedom from nicotine, with the willingness to step forward tude for freedom from the bondage of 12. Service in all my affairs carries the through any fear and cross over the both nicotine addiction and self. message of Nicotine Anonymous prin- bridge of discomfort to the joy and self ciples. worth in the land of Our Promises. Bill H Chairperson-elect from Sunland, CA My willingness begins with the Serenity Checko M NAWS Literature Coordinator

SevenMinutes December 2019 Page 8

Please enjoy the following excerpt from the new proposed NicA booklet titled “Experience Sponsorship in Nicotine Anonymous (NicA):

Sponsors and Sponsees Share Their Experience”

Introduction

Sponsorship is one of five Tools of recovery in Nicotine Anonymous (NicA). Sponsorship is how one member, especially a newcomer, receives the individual support and guidance from another experienced member. Seeking out a sponsor is not required, but we encourage it.

A sponsor is typically a member who has successfully let go of nicotine; and is willing and available to share his or her experience with a newcomer on a one-to-one basis. Becoming someone’s sponsor is a voluntary service. As an experienced member, he or she has first-hand knowledge and understanding of what a newcomer may be going through. A sponsor is someone who can explain and guide a sponsee through the Twelve Steps of Nicotine Anonymous and other aspects of the program.

Getting free and staying free from nicotine is no easy task for most nicotine users. We find it best to have all the help we can. It is good to have a clear-minded and compassionate sponsor during withdrawal. It is important to be guided past the temptations and typical triggers that can occur and lead to a dreaded relapse, even after enjoying some time abstinent from nicotine. It is suggested that you get a sponsor as soon as possible, whether you have quit using nico- tine yet or not. As newcomers begin to attend meetings and listen to other members share, they can consider who they think would be a good fit as a sponsor. A newcomer can then approach and ask that member before or after a meeting, (or use the phone or email), to see if he or she is available and willing to be a sponsor. By being a sponsor, a member has an opportunity to work Step Twelve and practice the tool of service. Members willing to be sponsors can announce and make their availability known. A sponsor offers what he or she has gained through her or his NicA experience, which is one of the best ways to keep, (or strengthen), one’s own recovery. We come to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, and then serve a purpose greater than ourselves. Working with a sponsee, a sponsor will often be reminded of what it was like when he or she was quitting. This helps a sponsor to maintain respect for this powerful drug, and gratitude for the gift of freedom he or she was given. Nicotine Anonymous has various ways to make and stay in contact with other members. Our website provides information about them. As of this printing, there are several different formats for NicA group meetings including face-to-face meetings, internet meetings, (see the NicA intergroup, Voices of Nicotine Recovery meetings), and telephone meetings, (see the NicA intergroups Free Bridge or Primary Purpose). There is also an internet blog, Unoffical NicAnon. There are also members who connect on social media, such as Facebook at Nicotine Anonymous, or Nicotine Anonymous Brasil. Additionally, one can connect with the program via two pen pal formats: Email Pals and Pen Pals, (paper). These all are different ways to connect with other members who could potentially be- come sources of support and as sponsors. This booklet’s collection of members’ experiences include: Some written in a workshop on the topic held at a World Service Conference; individual submissions sent in by members; from ex- cerpts selected from our quarterly newsletter, SevenMinutes: all contributed over a period of years. It is hoped that these shares will help members understand the value of sponsorship and encourage members to be sponsors and/or become sponsees by seeking out a sponsor. As always, “take what you want and leave the rest.” 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.

Email Pal Coordinator: [email protected]

Coordinates and connects pals 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 December 2019 Page 10

Write a Meditation For Our New Book

What a great way to do service! We’re putting together a new daily meditations book and want your inspired and insightful writings about your I have been smober for a year, after personal experience, strength, and hope; principles of recovery based on the I am Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Nicotine Anonymous, the NicA mail Slogans, or text from our literature.

You can download a template from Google Drive: http://voicesofnicotinerecovery.com/resources/daily-meditations-worksheet and letters are sent out to connect with them as soon as members request to join. The text can contain 100-200 words and follows the format of our Y ear of Miracles daily meditations book. In addition to your meditation, you are welcome to include a quote at the beginning, and the concluding prayer, “Today, ______.” But we are happy to find those for you as well.

If you do choose a quote, it 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.

Please send your writings to [email protected].

Your friend in recovery,

Aimee C. Contact either email address above [email protected]

11

NAWSO Profit & Loss YTD Comparison January through September Jan - Sept Jan - Sept

2019 2018 Ordinary Income/Expense

Income 4000 · Donations 10,039.55 10,179.47 4100 · Literature Sales 17,452.54 20,593.27 4290 · Shipping & Handling Income 3,056.63 3,218.77 4178 · 2018 Conference — 1,614.38 4179 · 2019 Conference 999.45 -1,250.00 4184 · 2020 Conference -500.00 — Non Profit Income 68.00 0 Sales of Product Income 447.60 0

Total Income $31,563.77 $34,355.89

Total Cost of Goods Sold $8,010.55 $9,043.78

Gross Profit $23,553.22 $25,312.11

Expenses 6000 · Office Expense 19,543.95 18,715.15 6800 · Officer Travel & Meeting Costs 4,189.87 4,079.50 Other Operating Expenses 284.85 91.37

Total Expenses $24,089.25 $23,450.37

Net Operating Income $-536.03 $1,861.74

Other Income

8000 · Interest Income 106.96 38.13

Total Other Income $106.96 $38.13 Net Income $-429.07 $1,899.87

SevenMinutes December 2019 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 Twitter Have an idea for a public presence for Nicotine Anonymous. service announcement? We put out approximately Draft the text for a 15 or 30 4 Tweets weekly. second audio PSA, or Got ideas for Tweets or other create your own audio file! social media to help us carry For questions or ideas the message? call Brenda at 425-496-3042 Call Brenda at 425-496-3042 or email OutreachCoordinator@nicotine- anonymous.org

Is your group in need of newcomers? Try an Outreach project to get the word out! For more information, send an email to [email protected]

13

SevenMinutes December 2019 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, and Committee deadlines for Meetings online, with or SevenMinutes submissions: without telephone capabilities.

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

Individual training June 20 May 1 is available to learn this 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 December 2019 Page 16