Imagine if a newcomer came to our meeting and found a group of bad-tempered people trying to avoid taking drugs together. This newcomer would walk away, perhaps muttering, "I thought I could get off drugs and be happy."

Thankfully, our newcomers usually find a group of friendly, smiling people who seem quite happy with the life they've found in Narcotics Anonymous. What incredible hope is offered here! Newcomers whose lives have been deadly serious are very attracted to an atmosphere of laughter and ease. When you come from an environment where everything is taken seriously, where the next disaster is always lurking around the corner, it's a welcome relief to walk into a room and find people who mostly don't take themselves too seriously and who are ready are for beautiful experiences.

In recovery we learn to become more relaxed and joyful. We laugh at the strange aspects of our addiction. Our meetings - those rooms with the cheerful babble of the coffee machine, the clatter of chairs and laughing addicts - are the meeting place where we welcome the newcomers and show them that we are now having fun.