Most of you prob know that I do not attend regular meeting, I don't have a sponsor, and i did not do the steps. I do however, attend meetings when i need a reality check, have a network of support aa'ers and non, and read and try to practice many of the principles outlined in the steps, and the bb. I have achieve great personal strength, wealth, knowledge and respect, through my sober time. I don't need anything right now that could make me any happier. I did this for me, and my family, and everyone that I come in contact with. My question is, part of me wants to stand on the pedistle and take a bow. I want to have a token of proof, of accomplishment, of pride maybe. So could I go get a 1 year chip on my anniversary?

As far as I know, the only requirement for getting a chip is being an alcoholic who has hit a milestone in sobriety. Much like how the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking!

I would not have a problem handing you a medillion, giving you a hug..and whispering..."I hope we'll start seeing you at more meetings again".

A year of continuous sobriety, should be recognized.  However, in AA, I think we have to refrain from taking a bow, because in doing so, our ego is taking credit for what the God of our understanding relieved us of; the obsession and complusion to drink.  I like what I heard a man say years ago, and what I say now when I get a medillion, when asked by the group, "how'd you do it??"  "I didn't, God did, and I just cooperated one day at a time."

I remember in the beginning, during my coming in and out of the rooms, being told by my sponsor that he felt I needed to give up being the most important person in the room. That he felt or at least was indicating it to me, that my repetitious relapsing had a lot to do with the desire to be clapped for, and seen as a newcomer... over and over and over... because by gawh, that kept me in the "most important" catagory. He was right to a degree.  Heck, I didn't want to just get a 15 second clap session, I wanted ya'll to bring a darn parade down my street!  LOL

Today I don't want or need a parade, in fact its only for the benefit of a newcomer that I even collect chips any more.  For in silence, with much gratitude I humbly thank God for my freedom from active alcoholism.  The only part I really played in it is doing what I have heard in meetings thousands of times; "Keep Coming Back".  I did.

Now, I would have to question a few things regarding your post.  Like, how do you follow, practice or even know the spiritual principles of AA if you haven't ever worked the steps those spiritual principles are based on?  If its true that "you can't keep it, unless you give it away", how are you working with newcomers if you are not going to meetings where they are showing up everyday, and without working the steps or going to meetings how can you possibly be a sponsor to someone and guide them through the steps and be an example of what making AA a part of your daily life is, if you yourself haven't been doing it?  This is not a program of theory, its a program of action, based on being a living example, and shared from a place of "personal" experience, strength and hope.  

I think justadrunk said it clearly..."this is YOUR program" and I will add to that... "not THE program".

Suggestion: Go to at least 2-3 meetings a week, more if you can.  Find someone with more sobreity time than you and ask them to help you work the 12 steps.  After step 9, find yourself a newcomer and help them.  Then you will be carrying and sharing the message of Alcoholics Anonymous, instead of your own.

Now, go get your chip, and just think about what has been said here.  The decision is yours.

John

 

 

God works through people - Hence, I have thanked those whose spirits have touched me and aided me along the way. The fellowship of AA is a power greater than you, as is the literature.