AA meeting rooms are special

[JenniferB]

I dutifully have been going to a meeting every day for over 40 days. I've been trying to get to know names from day one, I probably know about 1/4 of the people there by name now. Something magical happened today that I wasn't expecting, at least this soon.

Backing up I've gone to transgender support meetings for over three years.I know the regulars there fairly well, and although I would call them friends, i wouldn't say they were close.Yet at AA I've only known some of the people who attend for 40 days max. Yet as I was looking around the room and recognizing people it occurred to me that the ones I knew the most were more than friends. . Maybe it was the phone calls, especially the ones who I offered to help, but I felt a love that goes beyond friendship. The feeling is closer to family members who you are glad to see again. The love runs deeper. You can't wait to give them a hug, and the ones you offered to help you feel an even deeper attachment. I've never felt a love like that for so many people at one time. It happened to be all women, but again that is who I'm with contact the most.

For the first time I can't wait for the meeting tomorrow, if not just to see my extended family again. It's now what I'm looking forward to the most. The chore of going to meetings is gone, it's been replaced by joy of seeing happy loving friends. I am so happy to have started going to AA, my life is changing in a wonderful way. I went to AA to stop drinking, I'm coming out with so much more, mainly a life that is starting to blossom.

{{{Hugs}}}

Jenny

[Guest Opal]

Jenny, that is so wonderful that they are not only accepting, but also becoming part of your family. I imagine that not only do you receive so much from them, but they also receive so much from you.

Huggs,

Opal

[Guest]

Jennifer that is just the very tip of the ice burg! I'm so heart warmed you are loving the Program. I want to hear your report when they place that year medallion in your hand and give you a warm congratulation hug. Untold meetings later, many visits to other meeting halls, conventions and round-ups, special events, you will have literally thousands of friends to know and love. The coolest thing is they love without expecting anything in return. You will really know them too, they speak the same language, deep inside and from the heart. Amazing! No phony baloney. Giggle.

I remember back in the day; a couple hundred so called friends from maybe fifty bars. They loved me as long as I shared my booze, smoke, toke, snort, pop or poke with them. When the party was over so was the friendship. I was not a victim, I treated them exactly the same. My life today is a far cry from then. You will have it all too, the feeling is simply over the top. I wish you the very best of clean and sober. Hug. JodyAnn

[Charlize]

Thanks for sharing Jennifer. I certainly understand your feeling. It took me a bit more time but i now am so happy for the meeting i "have" to go to. We had a snow storm yesterday but there was no question about going to my home group. I love the regulars and we give each other the help and support to live through the day. I was given a hint about honesty and that was enough to start towards dealing with my gender issues. I have the rooms to thank for the realization that i could be loved as i was made, not as the "self" i had built from fear and shame.

The amazing thing is that wherever i go i find friends in the rooms. Miracles seem a daily event. Here i am as myself, sober and trying to live as my HP wishes. Sober with a bit of peace, some serenity, some reaching out, and so much love. I even love myself now! wow. The AA rooms are certainly special.

Hugs,

Charlie

[Michelle 2010]

Good stuff :-)

Michelle

[Guest Rhy]

Love that your loving the rooms and found friends so quickly. I remember my first meeting; I finally felt at home.

The program and the fellowship saved my life and gave me a life.

AA rooms are special and it is obvious that the meetings you are going to work for you.

I have had the pleasure of moving a few times in sobriety (21 years and 4 states) and finding good AA people everywhere I land. They aren't always the same types of relationships but they are always closer than people outside of AA.

I have two groups that I feel comfortable in here in NY. Unfortunately my schedule this week and the weather has kept me from both. Even though I am out they still get the pronouns wrong a lot (more at the GLBT meeting than the straight meeting, hum?) and not all that knowledgeable about my struggles with gender but that is not why I am there. This too shall pass, if I ever get a hormone letter.

Really glad 40 days has been a great experience for you. This is a great time to build those contacts and foundation.

Rhyrus

[KathrynJulia]

Jenny:

You've learned something about giving with a joyful heart returns back twofold. All that giving is opening you up to the hearts of others love. Which help to heal your own heart. Merry Christmas Jenny. Next year is going to be a much happier year for you because I predict you are going to come alive and live with the whole world experiencing your joyful heart. Kathryn

[Guest erinanita]

Jenny,

I 'm so happy to hear that you've managed 40 meetings in 40 days and you've recognized these people as friends and family. AA people accept and welcome all of us with open arms. Complete acceptance.

It's been nearly eight years since I started attending transgender meetings but I feel much more acceptance in AA. I actually started attending AA meetings in 1979 but about the time I started to transition I stopped going due to my own misconceptions about how I would be accepted. I am so happy to be back. Even old friends from more than 30 years ago have welcomed me with open arms. It's a great feeling. I have developed few really great friendships in the trans communities over the years but I much prefer my AA family. We have but one primary purpose.

Erin