My NEW Story Starts Here...

[jessie]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Hi AuntieGriselde,
Your doctor calling your bluff might be a very good thing to happen to you - very uncomfortable at first, but helping you in the long run. I was also like that, trying to hide my secret, but now acknowledging it to a select few and my doctor, I am slowly but definitely moving closer to AF.

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Hi Auntie and Jessie. Jessie, I too felt relief once I started letting the secrecy go. It wasn't such a "secret" anyway. Those closest to me felt relief that I was finally admitting it.

Auntie, you really have nothing to lose by giving AA a try. Maybe set a goal of going to 5 different meetings (I suggest different ones because there are different formats and each group of people has a different vibe too). Then assess whether you think it would be a good idea to keep going. That would be one way to approach it.

The two main types of meetings I can think of off the top are Speaker Meetings and Discussion Meetings. At speaker meetings, there will be a chair person who opens the meeting, often with the Serenity Prayer and welcomes newcomers and maybe faciliates a couple of readings. (things such as the AA Preamble, How It Works, Daily Reflections, the Promises) Then one or more speakers will be introduced. They tell their story, usually in a format that includes "how it was, what happened, and what it's like now." The speakers are offering their experience, strength and hope to others - that others too can recovery from alcoholism. Usually when the speaker is finished, the chair person might open it up for comments from the audience. Meetings are often closed with the Our Father or the Serenity prayer, and/or a reading from the Big Book.

Discussion meetings open much the same way. There is usually a topic. Either a reading or a Step or a Tradition or the Big Book or even Open Topic where the chair or someone else raises a topic related to sobriety that they would like to discuss. Someone gives a "lead" to start the discussion. Then the participants in the meeting have the option to contribute their thoughts on that topic.

You NEVER have to speak at a meeting. The chair will usually ask (in either format) if there is anyone there for their first AA meeting ever, or at that particular meeting for the first time. If you raise you hand, the chair will welcome you and may ask if you would like to introduce yourself. You can say "I'm Auntiegriselda" if you wish. You can say "I'm Auntiegriselda and I want to stop drinking" if you wish. You can say "I'm Auntiegriselda and I'm an alcoholic" if you wish. Or you can shake your head no. Believe me - people have seen any and all of those responses (and many more) and will not think twice about whatever you decide to say or not say. You do NOT have to introduce yourself as an alcohlic. Most people do, and there is a reason for that as you will learn later if you decide to keep going. But for now, suffice it to say that it is NOT a requirement.

The only requirement for membership in AA is a desire to stop drinking. (from the AA Preamble)

If the speaking is ever going around the table where it eventually comes your turn, but you don't want to speak, you can just say "Pass" or "Hi I'm Auntiegriselda and I will just listen today." Something like that works.

I find it such a relief to spend time with people who understand exactly what I've been through. I have also enjoyed making SOBER friends to do things with. For me, that has taken time to open up in person. But it has gradually happened and it's been really good for me.

The spiritual side of AA has been good for me too. I realize now how spiritually bankrupt I was when drinking (selfish, telling lies, etc.). It has been good for me to get back in touch with my moral compass and at least try to live a better life and "do the right thing" way more often than I used to. That is the heart of the spiritual component for me. It is different for everyone.

You have nothing to lose.

Strength and hope to you and anyone else reading this.

DG

[CS04]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

DG, it is nice to see you tonight. I've been thinking of you, and how you have always been so inspiring. I recently told someone to look for your posts, because I think they are so powerful. I am not doing very well but I am going to use your energy to help myself. I have been here a long time. Thanks for all of your good words and efforts.

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

CS04, it is good to see YOU. So what's going on these days? I'm sorry to hear you aren't doing well. Anything we can do to help you?

DG

[auntiegriselda]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Thanks for your thoughts Jessie and Doggy Girl. The information about AA was very helpful. I think I'm going to start going on Monday and will try to not drink this weekend. I could have gone to one tonight but then wouldn't have that one available again till Monday. So just decided to start fresh then. I thought it might be good to go to the same one at first so I'm not having to repeat stories in so many different places. It was helpful to know some practice responses too! I appreciate your help and will let you know how it goes. You have done so fabulously well with it and as you say, I really have nothing to lose.
Thanks,
AuntieG.

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Glad to help auntie. The benefit I see to going to different meetings is to check out different formats and groups of people. It's like people anywhere - you will feel more at home with some than with others. See how you like the Monday group and then go from there. Ask for input around here if you would like feedback or help. There are quite a few people around this forum who go to AA.

DG

[auntiegriselda]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Inspiration

I just read your whole story DG and your pictures. You look absolutely fabulous and so different after getting in shape! I have to say it really hit home. I too am a bit overweight and all the excuses for not going to AA ring very true. I'm beginning to realize that it's all part of thinking I can fix this myself and not wanting to admit that I can't quit, even knowing that my liver enzymes are elevated! I'm still going to start AA on Monday after slipping again last night.
Your story is just simply inspirational and helps me know I can do it too! :thanks:
Auntie.

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

You CAN do it too Auntie. Just take it one day at a time. And if that that seems too much at times, take it one hour or even one minute at a time.

DG

[auntiegriselda]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Woo Hoo!

Only one glass of wine last night and none at all today. I'm ready to give AA a whirl tomorrow!

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Good for you Aunti. You've got nothing to lose.

DG

[auntiegriselda]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Two days AF and feeling good!

[cpn1004]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Auntie, keep up the good work, it just gets better.

[auntiegriselda]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Thanks, Now it's 3 days and I'm feeling good!

[Doggygirl]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Good job aunttie! Keep going one day at a time.

[DiscoBunnie]

My NEW Story Starts Here...

Hey DG...

Thank you. I came across your post and it is divine intervention. I have no other words to explain it. You are a huge support, a strong foundation to the bridge that is trying to connect me back to sobriety; if only I could get my shit together once and for all............

I loved reading your post from July 2007. Sadly, it is Day 2 for me ..... Congratulations on 2 years, that is a huge accomplishment and speaks volumes of your strength and the person you are, I am so happy for you!!

DB

DB