sweetichick

I just feel unworthy. I am barely sober by a long shot. Is this normal

shortstop81

Trust your sponsor and give it a try. It's a chance to get of your head and be of service to others. Don't overthink it TOO much (although I know that's hard for us alkies).

sweetichick

I am just going to be a greeter. Not too scary. It will give me some thing useful to do.

Dee74

I felt unworthy too but I did some volunteer work in my early sober days - just helping people made me feel better about myself

D

LBrain

I was worried when I read the title. I thought maybe you were going to be painting a house or doing actual work. "Service" and "Work" are two different things. Being a "greeter" at meetings? I think it's a brilliant idea. It will make you feel more comfortable and allow you to interact with more people, and to those who are attending their very first meeting - there usually are one or two a week - you can make them feel at ease too. Remember, there are many coming to meetings who are scared out of their wits, your "job" is to make them feel comfortable. It's a great job.

totfit

It is normal. It is about contributing. In turn "worth" comes along as a benefit.

Gottalife

When I get back to my home group I am going to apply for the greeter's job. It is easily the best job going, not only because it is nice to meet lots of new people but also because I maybe a newcomers first contact with an AA group and if I make them feel welcome, they might stay, and I will have really helped someone.

You ever been to a meeting where they have no greeter and you just get ignored. It happens a lot. Greeters really make a difference. Well done.

Tonymblue

That’s great. You definitely have a gift.

tomsteve

its a good way to start learning discipline.
it would be wise to talk to your sponsor about getting into stepwork,too.

here are the steps we took which are suggested as a program of recovery.

DontRemember

I think it's a great idea. Gives you a sense of purpose and responsibility to others.

DontRemember

My normal meeting doesn't have a formal greeter. Everyone is very welcoming to new folks. Though it is a small group of 8-18 people,so it's easier to spot someone new. I couldn't imagine a large group with no greeter. That'd almost scare me away and I've been going to AA meetings for about 18mo now.

Spence7471

Service work is about giving back.... I am sure during your active addiction phase you took much from others... now it is your turn to give back. While you may feel unworthy, you certainly are not unworthy.. and you can demonstrate that by giving back to the community in some of the simplest forms by helping others that could use help...

sweetichick

Thanks for the encouragement guys. There are always a few newcomers. I can help make them feel welcome. The next step my sponsor wants me to take is going to a rehab with her. I should be ok. I can talk some sense. Actually looking forward to being a greeter now. It's a big meeting. That's why we need them.

Anna

Sweeti, it takes awhile to start to feel good about yourself. But, I'm sure you'll do a great job!

sweetichick

Thanks Anna I am a bit nervous and the meeting is not for hours yet. Thanks for the encouragement

sweetichick

I am lucky my sponsor practically runs that meeting with lots of help. I am blessed. Plus she has 12 years sobriety.

SoulSurgeon

Selfishness and self-centeredness can be the root of our problem. The only way to beat a problem of selfishness is with unselfishness. Having a home group increases your chances of recovery by a lot. I felt like a stranger to AA until I joined a home group.

sweetichick

We are getting into step work.. I am listening to the Joe and Charlie tapes. She gave me a Living Sober book tonight. She is so generous. I think she is giving me a bit of time to settle in. As long as I do a meeting everydày.

Stronger2017

Great to hear that👍

sweetichick

I now have a home group. I just wish I didn't get so many cravings. I feel like shift a lot of the time to. I enjoyed the greeter job. I was so depressed before I went and it was like a magic pill. I have gotten rid of my ex. I just have to be patient with AA.