OK, so, I only want to attend women's groups, but there aren't that many around. Sound like an excuse not to go to a meeting? I don't think it is--I just wouldn't feel comfortable with men in the group . . .not right now, anyway; not when I feel vulnerable. So, there are a few women's meetings throughout the week, but none tonight. I have some phone numbers from the ladies that were at the meeting last night. When is it appropriate to call one of them? This afternoon I had this strange funkdefied depression culminating in my brain like an ugly fungus . . . hazy . . . coming down from having gone to my first meeting . . . I slept, had crazy dreams (REM comes quickly usually). Then tonight the funk just fizzled into a confusing depression--not too bad just sort of depilitating. Anyway, I should have thought to have called one of the women to ask if it's normal to feel this way after beginning attendance to AA meetings . . . or something. But it's late now and I'm not in a bad way or anything--probably'll just pop a Jane Austin movie and veg before sleep--so I won't call anyone now. I'm just afraid of being bothersome. I feel like I've finally just begun the program and I don't know exactly how it works . . . hmmmmm . . . I'll read some of the pamphlets and the big book with Elizabeth telling off Darcy (before they realize they're in love) in the background . . . Any advice on what we do with those numbers given to us? I'm so used to handling my own problems, keeping to myself, not burdening others with my issues (unless he/she's a paid shrink) that this is kind of new . . . Thanks, Laura
When I first got given 'phone numbers I was grateful to have them, but I didn't know when would be a good time to call anyone.
Now, when I give anyone my 'phone number I tell them to call me whenever they want/need to. And, I mean it. In my early days of sobriety I went through a real mix of emotions and I needed to talk about it to another recovering alcoholic. So, I 'learned' to pick up the 'phone.
My rule was, and still is, if I would have picked up a drink, I now pick up the 'phone. The person you call will be glad to hear from you and you will be helping them, too.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
Yes Call What Carol said........Heip a Fellow Alcoholic ....This is a we program .......The First word in Step One is We.....We cannot Keep what we get from sobriety unless we give it Back....Before they had the program of AA it was about 2 guys Bill W and Dr Bob..Talking each other out of a drink ...it work then and it still works...Good luck to you
ps they dont give out there phone numbers if they dont want you to call.
Sounds like what you were feeling was completely normal. Call those ladies anytime i prom8ise they won't mind often the act of picking up the phone will make us feel better
Bryan
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Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Romans 8:6 , The Message
Any time is a good time to call a # on a phone list; that's why they're there. I have had a few people (my sponsee included) get away with text messaging my phone, since it alleviates the whole "OMG Am I Bothering them?!" stigma but allows them to reach out... and unless I'm indisposed, I reply to those messages right away (My sponsee also works, as I do, in a job where the cell phone has to be on silent, so texting is a GREAT way to get around that)
Not that this helps... back to the original: Just start going down the list!
(My sponsee also works, as I do, in a job where the cell phone has to be on silent, so texting is a GREAT way to get around that)