There's No Place Like Home

Tonight I attended one of my home groups. It's a house meeting at a married couple's home in AA. I can't begin to say how grateful I am to have been welcomed into this group! For those that are unfamiliar with what a home group is, it's a meeting where a member attends on a regular basis. A place where one can get to know other members and form close relationships. These relationships are vital for any member of AA. Without them, it is easy to slip into isolation and drink again, maybe even die...

Tonight's group is very special. It is a place where there seems to be a deeper sense of intimacy than a regular AA meeting. Most of people that attend this group are there every week, and share what is going on in their lives. There is an accountability that goes with attending a home group. I have found that it is imperative that I be at least one of my home groups every week. This meeting is really important to me, because I feel safe there to discuss things I might not share at a regular meeting. And if I'm not there, someone will notice. They might even reach out and find out why I'm not there.  This is so important!  The other thing I love is the camaraderie that is shared. When it is some one's sobriety anniversary of "belly button" birthday, we have cake and celebrate after the meeting. There is much joy in this house when we gather together. It is fellowship that keeps people coming back long enough until the are able to work the steps and learn to love themselves. Much like what I've been learning to do in the past two months.

I am truly overjoyed at the prospect of getting to know the people at my home group at a deeper level. At a true and honest level. At the same time, I will learn to allow other people to know the true and honest me.  For that I am so grateful!