During my first week of AA I went to three different meetings. At all three meetings the question was asked if anyone was in their first week of AA, I raised my hand at all three meetings. Because I accepted a white chip at the first meeting I attended I did not go get one at the second or third meetings. These two meetings were pretty small in number both having between 15-20 people at them. Maybe it is just my paranoia but I seemed to sense disappointment in the room. So my question is: as I reach milestones in my sobriety (30 days is coming up fast) should I just accept chips in one particular meeting of should I accept chips in all the meetings I attend?
That's a personal choice and one that is usually asked of your sponsor, however, my take on this issue is simple ... if I picked up a chip signifying my desire to be a member of AA, then at the next meeting, I'd stand when offered the same chip and simply say I already picked one up from the 'so 'n so' group ... then they can insist you take another one or at the very least, rest assured you're part of AA ... you will come to know that each AA group has its own very distinct and unique group personality ... (warning, some can be very 'borderline' religious, which is not what AA is about, we are about 'spirituality' and a 'higher power') ... (also, not a cult) ...
Personally, I do recommend picking up the regular monthly(quarterly) chips when you qualify for them ... it shows the newer members that progress really IS possible and they can do it if you can ...
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
I picked them up in all meetings. It was so others could know where I was at and help me, encourage me, etc... But more, it's to show the person with even less time than you that it can be done.
But yes...as Pappy said, it's a personal choice. It's not super super crucial.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
