Vilde H.
11/07/99

email: vildehelena22@hotmail.com

My name is Vilde, I'm a woman from Norway, eight years clean by the grace of God and the love of NA. I have also done some footwork.
Today I get recovery from the Internet where I go to meetings and do service. I also go to f2f meetings, but I consider Earth Group NA to be my home group.

I think that for an addict in recovery there are two ways to learn: it is the easy way; by working the steps, doing service, going to meetings and using a sponsor. This is great fun and a very giving experience. And there is the hard way, not doing these things, and learning new things living life on life's terms without the tools of recovery. That can be tough, and you are heading for a relapse. I recommend the easy way, that is working a program.
Life will show up whether you like it or not, there is no more hiding away.

Recovery is an ongoing journey, and after years of recovery we still need to work a program. I have a awesome sponsor, who is 23 years clean, and she guides me through the 12 steps the way the NA old-timers work it. We do not use the Step Working Guide, but work it from my sponsor's experience and the Basic Text. I have recently done the 6th and 7th step, working on getting rid of some character defects with the help of my Higher Power, who I choose to call God, and also of course, with the help of my sponsor. And there is some footwork to be done. The work of getting rid of my character defects is a life long process. I'm now on my 8th step. I think it is amazing to grow spiritually and change by living life on life's terms and working the program of NA.

When I first came to NA, eight years ago, I got a sponsor at my second meeting, started on step one the first month and didn't wait long to start doing service. I connected to the fellowship, and I still do these things. If you are a newcomer, I will advise you to do what I did: jump into this program like if it was a cool swimming pool on a hot summers day, and get all the benefits from it. The same goes for addicts with years clean, every new day is a new beginning.

I really appreciate having sponsees in my life, because I feel that I have so much to give, and giving back is receiving. I will never push you, and neither will I carry you. You set the pace, and we will do this journey together. If I feel that you need some follow up on your progression in the program, I will gently lead you on your way. So if you need a sponsor, don't hesitate, but make contact.