I drank again, usual story… but tonight I joined my first AA meeting…. I never understood what community could do for me until now. I will be going back. I’m not religious and I let that put me off for the longest time, I wish it hadn’t.
There you go. When the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing, that’s when you have the best chance.
Good luck! Take what you need and leave the rest!
Well said. Love that thank you
I was forced into a religion at a young age and I let that rob me of my spiritual health throughout my adult life. I came to AA ready to pounce at the first mention of God or invocation of religion.
Today I am tolerant of whatever someone else believes and in the meetings everyone has been tolerant of my own relationship with my higher power. Nobody is trying to convert anyone in my experience.
That said I find myself being very careful in how I communicate the topic of religion at every meeting because someone in the room could be attending their first few meetings and I don’t want to scare them away. It’s definitely a touchy subject as there is a spiritual message that does need to be communicated somehow.
I want newcomers to realize that their past relationships with God and religion does not need to dictate their current spiritual health and growth. If they choose, they can begin independent spiritual growth that will benefit them and those around them immensely. More than they would ever believe.
Thank you for sharing your experience. You are already helping others by doing so. You got this!
Thank you! Sounds similar to my experience and it has taken me a long time to find my own path too
When i went to my first meeting i wanted help god did play any part ,i was sick of being sick and i was willing to do anything to stay sober and it worked got friends in the fellowship sober 30 years plus who are atheist and it worked for them best move i ever did was go to that meeting never looked back wish you well
I know the “religious” part can be a bit daunting but don’t let that stop you. It’s about listening, sharing and meeting people that understand you. Well done. Keep going!!