Hi Sl...

I have been saying- do the first three first steps first, before taking a sponsor. Get used to sharing and trusting...

...that wouldn't suit everyone, of course. If I sponsored someone I would ask for this though...  (unless it was a dead cert. right from the beginning.)

My experience was interesting. I asked a person to be my sponsor and she politely declined. I was hurt at first...but then I asked another lady to sponsor me shortly after that and she said yes. She is like a mother to me. We have been working together for almost a year. I am glad the first person said no because I have realized after hearing her shares over a longer period of time I realized we wouldn't have worked out. She is on a different path in life than I am. I would suggest you wait until you go to at least 8 meetings or so.
Listen for a person you can really relate to and who you think could help you get what you want out of life. I have been to a few AA meetings where the hands raise quickly when people are asked if they can sponsor someone. Sponsors are critical for AA members...but I have noticed in Al Anon people are not as eager to sponsor. I think it is because we feel so burdened by caring for the A in our lives we just don't have the energy to care for others as much. But each group is different. I would suggest talking to people after the meetings for awhile to get an idea of who you might want to ask. I hope I have helped.

My sponsor found me soon after I started attending two weekly regular meetings and she was sponsoring others and had been in program a very long time. I suggest to keep going and listening to those sharing and see who is living the program, before you ask anyone. It is very helpful to have her, but you want someone who has the background, time and patience and it hasn't been easy for everyone to find that balance. HP hand delivered my wise old sponsor when the timing was right for is both. Sending you love and support!