Luling

I was so nervous walking in. I kept my head down and played with my phone, wishing I has brought my knitting to keep my hands busy. Then the meeting started up, and I actually raised my hand when they asked if there were newcomers. I was startled when they all said hi. The rest of the meeting they took turns telling me their stories, and I started to relax. I didn't have to talk, which was good; I just wanted to listen and i wouldnt have been able to produce intelligible sounds anyway. I related so much to every single one of them, even the people whose alcoholism had progressed much further than mine. At the end I got a chip, and all the women gave me their numbers.

So, in a nutshell: they didn't bite, chase me with pitchforks, or try to sell me Amway products. They're totally normal (except nicer than your average person), and I'm going back tomorrow.

I'm on a roll now; I think I'll take on my fear of heights and roaches next.

wellwisher

Fantastic, Luling....

Good on 'ya....

I experienced that same type of anxiety when I walked into the rooms years ago, but once I walked in, there was no looking back. The promises deliver.

Lol @ CarolD: it works better when you get out of the car! Yup!

As to roaches, they still see the bottom of my shoe if I run into them. Don't think that will change for me.

Keep going...

Jeni26

I just woke up and the first thing I did was check my phone to see how you get on. I'm so happy for you!!!
The first time is the hardest and I can so relate. Now you are armed with face to face support when you need it.
This is awesome!!
You are a star!!xx

Peter G

Just a suggestion... a healthy fear of roaches is never a bad thing. One should not ever seek out ways to feel comfortable around them.

Seriously though, I've been following this thread and just wanted to pop in and say I love the way this worked out for you Luling. So many waste time worried about walking through those doors, and thanks to some of the 'coaches' in this thread (add your courage) you did it!! And now you understand how the world inside an AA meeting is not horrid, harsh, nor desperately depressing. And yes, there's no Amway salesmen allowed.

I really needed something to put a smile on my face today, and this thread did it.

Brilliant stuff guys. For the folks in here who kept prodding, encouraging, coaxing and supporting Luling to step up and do the do? You guys need to know that you're exactly why SR is the immensely powerful resource that it is. I'm humbled to see the progression in this thread, and the outcome couldn't be better. Grateful as he!! that you guys post here.

Keep it up Luling. Good stuff!!

pink62

So happy for you Luling, you are amazing, strong and brave!

Sapling

They're alkies....What did you expect?....I'm glad you made it and got your white chip Luling. It's the only white chip you ever have to get. You did awesome! To Thine Own Self Be True! You mentioned how some people's alcoholism progressed more than yours...My sponsor told me early on...Try to identify...Not compare....Made sense. I'm so happy you liked it...And you only have to go through a first meeting once. You're going back so I have to ask you....When you were leaving...Did you have that feeling that you belonged there? I know I sure as hell did...Enjoy your new family....Use the numbers...Maybe call one a day for awhile...Just say hello and you are new....They love it. Just listen...Don't worry about producing any intelligible sounds right away....That will come in time....It's better to listen now. I'm proud of you Luling...Remember to say hello to someone coming in for their first meeting...You've been there.....And for what it's worth...I have a lady in my homegroup that brings her knitting every day...I guess that's legal.

hypochondriac

You've put a big grin on my face this morning Luling

So glad you made it and had a good experience x

CarolD

So glad you did go and are going back..

MalkavianEmily

I'm glad you went. And glad that you're glad. Well done

awuh1

I LIKE stories with happy endings... well, perhaps, it's just the beginning. Well done Luling. Keep us posted.

heath480

Welcome to our family luling.

tomsteve

theres a good use for that white chip. if ya feel like drinking, stick it under yer tongue. when it melts you can take a drink.

"they didn't bite, chase me with pitchforks, or try to sell me Amway products."

you didnt get a secret tattoo either??????

keep goin back, you will get better iffen ya want it more than anything else!

Luling

... I didn't say there was no secret tattoo ...

aeo1313

Go Girl!!!

tomsteve

I didn't say there was no secret tattoo


sssssshhhh.....its a secret!

debsam

Well after a stressful day at work, reading this Luling put a huge smile on my face.

Peter, I could not have said that better myself.

The collaborative team/family effort really is something very special.