I went to a noon meeting today. I chose to go to a meeting place that I used to be a regular at. I got quite nervous on the drive there. When I walked in, it seemed as if not much had changed over the years. The only thing that I was disappointed with was the fact that there weren't too many women there. I think that alot of men attend that particular meeting on their lunch break from work. But it was still good. I just didn't get to connect with anybody yet. But it will happen if I keep going back and try a variety of meetings.
Before the meeting started, a woman asked me if I would read "How it Works" at the start of the meeting. I politely declined. I managed to shake a few hands. When the chairperson asked if there were any newcomers, I did raise my hand and introduce myself. So kudos to myself for that. Because my heart was pounding at that point. I had nothing to fear, I felt nothing less than welcomed. I heard alot of good things. Alot of examples of what I would like my own life to become.
I didn't stick around after the meeting. At this point, that would have been a little uncomfortable for me because I can be quite shy and intimidated. But I went. And I enjoyed it. For the one hour that I sat in that room, I was able to shut out everything else going on in my world and just focus on my addiction. I guess it was just nice to be face-to-face with others who have been where I am right now.
One thing that amazed me....tonight they are holding a special meeting to celebrate a man's 50 year anniversary!! 50 years!!! How awesome is that? And he did it one day at a time.
Alright Jodi,
Good for you. Keep an open mind, I'm sure you'll find a meeting that works for you. I think this is the beginningf of a very positive journey for you. Best of luck!
Beck
Good for you. Keep an open mind, I'm sure you'll find a meeting that works for you. I think this is the beginningf of a very positive journey for you. Best of luck!
Beck
Dear Jodi Good for you.Ive always said its a bunch of little steps & it looks like youve taken that first one.I think its great that you realize you need to hit acouple different meetings.I hope you find one with more women there.In the truth of it I feel womaen have much different issues when they are addicts & I truley belive that men just wouldnt understand our positions,Anyways Im so proud of you....mj
Jodi
I'm so happy for you. You didn't mention phone numbers so I'm guessing you didn't get any. Can you go to an evening meeting? There seems to be more people at them. At least here there are. One of the problems of getting sober is getting responsible so a lot of people are working during the day.
Hey, you went and that's a great start. That took courage and shows willingness. When are you going back? (nag, nag, nag)
I'm so happy for you. You didn't mention phone numbers so I'm guessing you didn't get any. Can you go to an evening meeting? There seems to be more people at them. At least here there are. One of the problems of getting sober is getting responsible so a lot of people are working during the day.
Hey, you went and that's a great start. That took courage and shows willingness. When are you going back? (nag, nag, nag)
I didn't get any phone numbers. That's really my only regret. There were quite a few people there though...I'd guess about 35 or 40. It's very difficult for me to get to meetings. Atleast right now. But I will be going back the first chance I get. I do know that it will get easier to reach out and connect with people the more I go.
Honestly, it just felt good to get around other people for once. I'm cooped up at home most of the time, so it was nice to feel like I am part of the human race for the day.
Honestly, it just felt good to get around other people for once. I'm cooped up at home most of the time, so it was nice to feel like I am part of the human race for the day.
WOW! That's a lot for an noon meeting. I remember when I was going down here we were lucky if we got 10. Did you go to NA or AA? Just curious. It doesn't matter. I'm proud of you. Maybe next time you'll feel more at ease and be able to raise your hand to ask for numbers.
Jodi, that is great news! I know how tough it is getting to a meeting bc of shyness... i still get nervous. But i am always so surprised at how everyone welcomes me back with open arms. I am happy for you... :) Love ya!
I went to AA. There aren't too many NA meetings in my part of town. What's that all about? Do they think that addicts don't live in the nicer neighborhoods? Oh well. I would like to try one some time though. AA is what I am most familiar with. The last time I went, I was only 15. Believe it or not, it was a little easier then because I first went while I was in rehab and I had a sponsor before I even got released so I went to alot of meetings with her and met new people that way.
It was alot of work to even make this meeting happen. But I managed. So, today I have something to be grateful for.
It was alot of work to even make this meeting happen. But I managed. So, today I have something to be grateful for.
Weeellll, you could always start a pills anonymous meeting in your area.
Jodi just my opinion. AA meetings tend to have people with more sobriety. For me personally anyway I havealways found NA to be a lot younger and less sobriety time but then again I am an Old Fart.
At your next meeting if you feel comfortable there is always a list of temp-Sponsors. Are there any Woman's Meetings?
Jodi do you have any hospitals near you? They tend to have excellent meetings. Dual diagnosis meetings for the addict who suffers from depression. Not sure of your history.
Congrads--Jeff
At your next meeting if you feel comfortable there is always a list of temp-Sponsors. Are there any Woman's Meetings?
Jodi do you have any hospitals near you? They tend to have excellent meetings. Dual diagnosis meetings for the addict who suffers from depression. Not sure of your history.
Congrads--Jeff
Jodi... I only go to AA meetings, but that is because i am more comfortable there... i tend to agree with Jeff about NA... more young people. I am not old (even though i feel like it) but I do feel like i am at a different stage of life than most of the people in NA. Not that there is anything wrong at all with NA, it's just my personal preference. It's also probably bc i started out in AA way back when i was 17. I also get along with older people for some reason... i think it's cuz i spent alot of time with my grandparents growing up. I feel like i can be more honest and open. Anyways... i am glad you are going back to meetings... i need to make one myself this weekend... haven't been getting out since i had my tooth worked on. Love, Bri :)
Way to go Jodi! In time you will connect with others like yourself. Sometimes the best meetings for me are when I just sit and be still for an hour. It can be a really peaceful feeling.
Jim
Oh, btw, since it's Friday afternoon, and another day clean, here's some eye candy as a reward for your effort!

Jim
Oh, btw, since it's Friday afternoon, and another day clean, here's some eye candy as a reward for your effort!


Dear Jodi:
I am so proud of you!!!!
You made a beautiful, giant step forward, I hope it will be easier and easier the next time.
You will start noticimg such changes in yourself - smart, strong, changes!
I am SMILING!!! just for you!!!!!!! and your children, too - I know you have them in mind with eveything you do.
So happy for you.
I said you could do it - even if you don't see it yet - I see a very strong woman.
Love you dearly, want only the best for you b/c you so deserve it.
Love you,
Mom Jean
I am so proud of you!!!!
You made a beautiful, giant step forward, I hope it will be easier and easier the next time.
You will start noticimg such changes in yourself - smart, strong, changes!
I am SMILING!!! just for you!!!!!!! and your children, too - I know you have them in mind with eveything you do.
So happy for you.
I said you could do it - even if you don't see it yet - I see a very strong woman.
Love you dearly, want only the best for you b/c you so deserve it.
Love you,
Mom Jean
i'm smiling because of the eye candy...mmm mmm good
Thank you to everyone.
But, Jim...
I've gotta correct you on one thing -- the clean part. I'm not quite there yet. So I will only allow myself 2 minutes of drooling instead of the usual 10! :)
I expect new photos every Friday afternoon, Mister! I'm counting on you!
But, Jim...
I've gotta correct you on one thing -- the clean part. I'm not quite there yet. So I will only allow myself 2 minutes of drooling instead of the usual 10! :)
I expect new photos every Friday afternoon, Mister! I'm counting on you!
I stand corrected....the desire to get clean counts too! Enjoy!


Oh man! I've seen it all now! LMAO
I'll take the first photos, thank you very much......mmmmmm....candy.....
Hey Jodi, good for you! I was going to share something with you but for the life of me I can't remember what it was. The picture of the guy in shorts left me temporarily speechless, haha.
I started first with AA meetings but ended up in NA. I was comfortable with either but NA just seemed to apply more.
I'm surprised they let you out of there without numbers, lol. You've got to love their enthusiasm.
Hey, do I owe you an email or is it your turn?
Take care
Love, Kat
I started first with AA meetings but ended up in NA. I was comfortable with either but NA just seemed to apply more.
I'm surprised they let you out of there without numbers, lol. You've got to love their enthusiasm.
Hey, do I owe you an email or is it your turn?
Take care
Love, Kat
Jodi-Its irrelevant.You made that first step.Next time you go you may find somone you can talk to.These days most alcoholics have had dual problems.Dont let labels get in the way.You dont have to be clean to go to a meeting either.You took a big risk and I can tell it made you feel good.Next time wont be as scary.