Monday, November 4th
I felt humiliated when another member offered me advice during his share.
SCA meetings are where members should feel free to openly share their experience, strength, and hope about sexual compulsion and recovery without fear of being shamed or judged. The support and love in this fellowship can help us break the cycle of low self-esteem, resentment, and shame while promoting healing. We tell our stories honestly at meetings and in other gatherings, such as Step writing groups.
Some of us struggle with boundaries and limits while in recovery. We may feel isolated or otherwise uncomfortable at a meeting. Perhaps someone’s share lights a spark of resentment or revives a feeling of grandiosity: a sense that we know what is “wrong” with that person. These feelings may drive us to “crosstalk.”
There are various ways to define or identify crosstalk. Most groups agree that interrupting someone’s share, offering advice, or commenting on their share violates the generally accepted boundaries. Other examples might include naming a member, making physical or facial reactions (especially on camera), eating, or otherwise being disruptive.
In recovery, we learn to show compassion for ourselves and respect others. SCA is a “we” program: creating discord at meetings impedes group and individual recovery.
Recovery is a shared experience. We gain strength from our fellow members.