Started AA this week in person. I had gone to several Zoom meetings but being in person puts a whole other perspective on this. I’ve cried twice at these meetings. What gives. Any suggestions for me?
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In person is the only way to recover in my opinion. Just be honest and enjoy the ride. Hope it changes your life like it did mine!
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Sitting in the room has a whole different feel. I personally think it makes it more real. Feel those emotions, deal with them and let them go. Great job on facing them.
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A lot of addiction for me was repressing emotional issues, half the battle of recovery and the step work is facing it. It's a good thing to confront the underlying issues to heal, not doing so can lead back down old paths.
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I would say, keep crying. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it! No one is going to judge you. In fact, you might find that people will pull you closer and give you the support that no drink or drug every could.
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It’s a little embarrassing 
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That’s something to consider. I like to be known as being strong. So the fact that I can’t suppress this stuff is a real thing right now.
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Thanks
Talk to as many people as you can, just introduce yourself and say hello. That's it. If the meeting you go to kinda sucks, find another one. Go until you have a comfortable schedule if meetings to go to for every day of the week.
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Allow yourself to feel and experience your own experience! No need to suppress emotion in a room full of openness and honestly!! There is absolutely no judgement in those rooms- a very beautiful thing. Trust the process and finally allow yourself to feel. It’s part of the healing 
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Its ok to cry. We have all done it at some point. The main thing is that your there. Your presence and story is helping someone else when you don't even realize it.
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Strength is determined by ability to grow personally, and resilience- not stoicism. What matters is your recovery and staying sober, not maintaining an image of yourself as someone who doesn't cry. It's not "weak' to have and process emotions, it's weak to be ruled by them.
We can't change how we feel, only our responses to it. If a little crying in AA makes you stronger against that next drink, then why not?
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Thank you. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Great perspective.
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Sobriety brings about emotions that we used to cover up with drugs and alcohol. There is absolutely nothing wrong with crying at a meeting!!! The people in those rooms understand the emotions you are going through and will help you to guide yourself through them. The beauty of AA is that we have all been there! Therefore we help others get through it. It gets so much better, trust the process!!!
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I cried everyday in a meeting the first couple months . Very very common . We have repressed feelings for so long they just flooded out . Get to some samesex meetings and let people love you through it . Get as many phone numbers as you can . The fellowship will be your team ! It’s changed my life for the better and it’s taken a lot to allow myself to feel comfortable but I’m trying and it’s getting a little easier ! You got this 
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Its okay to cry , that's how your venting out , it will make you stronger or at least more confident.
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It'll be alright, Lisa. Just be yourself and speak honestly. The rest will be taken care of by your HP.
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A sponsor is really important and feels more private
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I cried at every meeting for the entire first year. I would say “Jennifer, alcoholic and chronic cryer”. It felt so good
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Crying is a sign of strength! Cry away! Repressed feelings will do that to you.
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