What do you remember?

[janbear]

What do you remember most about your first 12-step meeting? What kept you coming back?

[annalittlebit]

I remember feeling like part of a family---Feeling that this was where I belonged---I still feel that way!!!!!!!!! I treasure the relationships I have due to recovery :)

[Jay Bee]

My frist 12-step meeting was a 12step workshop....I wanted too share so bad , i could'nt , because i did'nt work any steps.... Now 3 years and 10 weeks later working and applying the steps in my life, I understand why they say , If you have not work this step, refrain from sharing:15:.

[BIG AL]

I came into the program in 89 and went out lots of time till I ended up staying out for lots of yrs.I came back in 2003 and I remember sitting there and some of the guys who I sobered up with in the late 80s were still there and still sober.I said to myself there is something here that works.Thats what I remember thats what kept me around.The thought that there is something that may help keep me sober.

[zoomie]

I just remember that there was some lady speaking and it was like she was telling my story and my mom's story. I felt like a misfit for so long and then knew that misfits find a home in AA.

[janbear]

My first meeting was Halloween night 1987. To be honest guys, it was not pleasant, i was not welcomed. But i was very fortunate in that my husband was with me who is a recovering alcoholic, and when we left there and i said that if that is help for me, i dont want anything to do with it, he then said, "I am taking you to another meeting" I was hurting and beaten enough that i was willing to go with him. The second group i went to was extremely friendly. I remember feeling like they were talking about me. The identification and the all famous words "Keep Coming Back" is what brought me back.
The support of my husband has been awesome for me.

[jhay-ar120]

I remember feeling like part of a family-Feeling that this was where I belonged---I still feel that way! I treasure the relationships I have due to recovery..

[Chewi]

I have been in and out a lot, and have moved several times, so I have had many "firsts." Most of the meetings have been very welcoming. I was always very nervous, anxious and earlier on, perhaps scared to death. Some meetings were very welcoming, some more low-key.

I love the meeting I am in now. I am always welcomed with hugs by the other ladies and handshakes by the men. The people truly treat each other like family (better in many cases!)

In a few (and I stress FEW) cases, people are put off by someone in a meeting or the atmosphere of the meeting, so I tell newcomers to try several different home groups until they find the right fit. It is so much better to keep trying differn\ent meetings than it is to give up. Don't use this as an excuse to go out and drink!

The rooms help me to stay sober, so I have to stay in the rooms! Where else are you going to find a group of people who are trying to eliminate their character defects?

I am a very shy person, and sharing and even leading meetings has really helped me in life with speaking in front of people and with leadership skills. This is an added benefit, in addition to fellowship, friendship and sobriety!

[sonia n]

What i remember is to let go and let god!! What kept me going is called
DESPERATION tired of being sick and tired. Having the cotton in my mouth :neutral: and my ears open...........



Sonia :D

[DavidNOLA]

My first meeting didn't do it for me.
It was a smoke filled clubhouse and the solution wasn't being transmitted.
It took finding another meeting and getting a big book to realize I was home.

There is a solution.

[D-Nice in the 216]

A co-worker/friend told me of a meeting his wife goes to that was very close to work. I remember being welcomed back very well. The people in this group are very caring and helpful. My previous experience wasn't too well, but right away they made me feel VERY welcomed and were also open minded and considerate of what I do for for a living (I work around and with alcohol). This is not only why I go to this group weekly, but also made it my Home.

[Craig A.]

My first 12-step meeting was frightful for me, I have finally found the courage to ask for help and follow thru! My bEst friend who I grew up with took me to my first A.A. meeting. I was scared, depressed, and hopeless! During the meeting and hearing everybody talk and their expressions showing me that they were telling the truth and how much better it is today for them, gave me hope! I remember begining to see that I was not alone and that there was help, and mostly people cared! When I share in a first step meeting I share my experience, strength, and hope so hopefully they will connect and feel at home!