mush72

furthermore...i'm almost a nervous wreck about it. It was a meeting a small meeting and a woman who sat in tears the whole meeting and couldn't share because she was overcome by emotions came back to AA for the first time in a couple years. I related so much with her and remember so well just 9 months ago being in her shoes. After the meeting I gave her a hug and asked her if she had 24 hrs. of sobriety yet. She said yes, so I gave her my chip that really means a lot to me. I know this sounds awful, but I almost regret giving it to her. I guess this is my selfishness coming out. I'm such a selfish person, but I'm trying to get better. Anyway, I gave her my number and I told her I'd be at the morning meeting (which I'm usually too lazy to go to). I just kind of feel like I jumped the gun, but at the same time I remember what it felt like to have the coin given to me and I'm very confused right now. I guess maybe I'm just scared it won't work for her.? Reaching out to help people makes me uncomfortable, but I know it's necessary if I want to stay sober. I'm on my 6th step and no where near the 12th, but it's my "duty" to reach my hand out, right? And so why do I feel so weird and full of regret?

SlvrMag

When I was only a couple months clean, someone gave me an 18 month key tag. I treasured it. At the time I thought "I don't know if I can make it to 18 months" but I did. I was so proud to have that gift.

I think you did the right thing

CarolD

I too think you did the correct thing....
Especially because you offered your number and
suggested she join you at another meeting.

Recovery.....the gift that keeps on giving.....

Many AA members re cycle their chips.

You can replace your 24 chip if you wish.
Next time you are in a meeting that gives chips
simply ask the "chip person" for another.

You might be a bit nervous rather than regrettful?
This was unchartered waters for you.
Good example of "Each one...reach one" in action.

Well done.....

mush72

Thanks Slvr and Carol...kindof weird too that as soon as i posted that, I read your insert Carol of todays 24 hrs. reading. Too Weird. !!! I LOVE LIVING SOBER! It's amazing.

LexieCat

I think we get sentimental about those chips--I know *I* do. One of my one-year chips (I have two because I have two home groups) has a hole drilled in it--it was passed to the person who gave it to me by someone else. Someday I will give that one away.

It's important to remember it isn't the chip--it's what it represents to us.

I think you did EXACTLY the right thing. And one more thing--don't be heartbroken if it doesn't "work" for her--right now, anyway. We can't make someone else get sober. All we can do is to reach out and help. It's up to them from there.

Nice going--it's what this deal is all about.

24hrsAday

i Think You Did a Very Good Deed There Mush.. i Have a Number of 24hr Coins and Give Them To "New" People When i Think i Should.. Buy 'Em Just To Give Them Away.. it's a Little Thing That May Mean A Lot To Someone Who is Hurting!

Mark75

It's a tangible way to experience... "you have to give it away to keep it"...

My brother is in the program ... 24 years... he has a bag full of chips, he's constantly giving them away... I remember when he told me he was also giving away our father's (RIP) chips, he was about 24 years sober when he passed... I was confused at first as to why he would do that!! I mean, our deceased father's chips!!!!!! ... but I totally get it now... I only hope that I get a chance to do the same.

Mark

artsoul

I think what you did was really, really wonderful, mush. The way I look at it, that chip has even more meaning now that it's been given away. It's exactly what AA is all about.