Stepping Stones

When I first joined AA a little over a year ago (and well into my sixth decade of life), I confess that I was a little alarmed by the litany of phrases, clichés and mantras that seemed to be an essential part of every meeting. Would I be forced to say or do things that felt awkward or embarrassing? Would there be a special handshake? Had I unwittingly joined some sort of quasi-religious cult? It all made me a little uneasy - and frankly, somewhat fearful.