I just wanted to share how my first meeting went tonight. It was extremely uncomfortable at first because I saw no women, only men. But the atmosphere was very calm and relaxed around Me. Two more women joined the meeting and I felt better, but even so...toward the end, it didnt make a huge difference because I was so humbled by the personal stories and words of encouragement from all of them. I received my 24 hour Chip....It felt great! One day at a time. I am on day two of being sober. Anytime I attempted sobriety on my own in the past, it never felt like this and never lasted. I pray this does last. One day at a time.
I also have the Big Book and will begin reading it tonight before sleep.
You're not alone Angie. You've got family around you. My first for real AA meeting was in the corner in the dark...just like I use to drink. In time that didn't work for me as I had to come out to get what they were leaving out for me to grab on to. When I am in a meeting now I am all the way in and I pray to get all that is necessary for me to stay sober and in use for my HP.
Keep coming back and YAY!! for your courage to change. ((((Hugs))))
I just wanted to share how my first meeting went tonight. It was extremely uncomfortable at first because I saw no women, only men. But the atmosphere was very calm and relaxed around Me. Two more women joined the meeting and I felt better, but even so...toward the end, it didnt make a huge difference because I was so humbled by the personal stories and words of encouragement from all of them. I received my 24 hour Chip....It felt great! One day at a time. I am on day two of being sober. Anytime I attempted sobriety on my own in the past, it never felt like this and never lasted. I pray this does last. One day at a time.
I also have the Big Book and will begin reading it tonight before sleep.
Angie~~
It's a great start to the day for me to read this. Keep coming back.
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It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you got. BB
And so a wonderful journey begins! Of course it won't be peachy the whole time, but it's so so so much better than the alternative. Great that you went. Great that you were brave enough to pick up that chip. I carried my chip around with me the entire 30 days until the next one. It was a constant reminder of the decision I made and that I wasn't going to go backwards....no matter what. Yes, it is one day at a time and keep on praying. You are building a foundation for sobriety now. It's like a recipe and it sounds like you have most of the key ingredients...willingness, a desire to stop drinking, a profound psychic shift in your attitude about what you were doing and where drinking took you... Just keep sharing and coming back and it will all keep coming together.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
Congratulations! Well done! I bet before you had your first meeting yoinu thought you were the only person in the world with your feelings. I did, it was such a relief to know that I was not alone in my struggle. AA saved my life and gave me something that any other help I sought could supply, HOPE! Stick in there and share your feelings, no one will judge you, we have all been there!
My thoughts..... You are now officially in our little Row Boat, the ride might not be smooth at times, and wholehearted agree with Dean's suggestion of 90 meetings in 90 little days, just improves our chances, hope you find someone that you like what she is saying and the next step is to get a Sponsor, a Travel Guide that will have her Tools, the 12 Steps of Recovery, and will be with you in that little row boat to help you in any way she can.
Hundreds of Hugs this morning, so proud of you for making up your mind and going for it, I really loved what you said, when you said that you did not "give a damn" about what others think, (people not alcoholic). again!!!!
Attitude is EVERYTHING, that was told to me many years ago, by a very famous Doctor, and you have that, a Great Attitude.
From your brand new Sissy in Recovery, Toni
-- Edited by Just Toni on Friday 25th of September 2009 01:19:01 PM
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement! I will be inquiring about a sponsor today since I had a couple of women give me their numbers last night.
A meeting is the best thing you can do for yourself on any given day. Mine are at noon, M-F and I can't WAIT for my next meeting. REAL friends who look me in the eye when they shake my hand, remember my name and share my triumphs and trials.
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement! I will be inquiring about a sponsor today since I had a couple of women give me their numbers last night.
Also use those phone numbers each time that you have an urge to drink. This is an import habit to get into. It will save your sobriety. We'll have thoughts of drinking come up as responses to regular life situations (frustrations, worries, celebration, loneliness, boredom...). It's what we do with these thoughts next that counts. We learn to have a response to the thoughts, to play it through what happens after we get drunk and think better of it. Calling people early on (like your AA friends and your sponsor) will help you learn this mind set. Getting to a meeting soon after will also be affective. Use the tools that you learn in the meetings. There are beginners meetings, seek out a couple and find one that you're comfortable with. A weekly speakers meeting is very helpful for newcomers, and look for a good step meeting (there all good ) to attend weekly, as well as a women's group. Round out your week with a couple of discussion meetings and make of them your "home group". I really like noon and 5pm (commuters meetings) as they don't interfere so much with family time. Morning meetings are awesome too if you're a "morning person". I like them but I just can't seem to get to one consistently. It kinda feels like going to work lol.
Congratulations! Well done! I bet before you had your first meeting yoinu thought you were the only person in the world with your feelings. I did, it was such a relief to know that I was not alone in my struggle. AA saved my life and gave me something that any other help I sought could supply, HOPE! Stick in there and share your feelings, no one will judge you, we have all been there!
