Hugs, Service and Sobriety

group hug

Written by, Tina K.

Words can’t begin to express my feelings or explain the love that was generated through the 1991 World Conference. When I got clean and sober almost 18 months ago, I honestly didn’t think I’d have a good time doing it! I had a chance to be of service this weekend and to give back some of the things that I’ve gotten from this program. Being the party animal that I am, I expected the party Saturday night to be the “highlight” of the weekend, but I was amazed by how much fun the actual conference was. I got a chance to really get to know the people that I’ve depended on for the last year and a half. For the first time in my life, I felt a part of something! I met people from San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Seattle and Orange Country. We all shared a common bond called drug addiction and for once in my life, it has worked for my recovery instead of against it. I’m very proud to be a part of District #6. This weekend went very smoothly and we got a lot of compliments on what a great job we did! Thanks again to everybody who helped and I greatly encourage everybody to get involved next year! I love you guys! Tina K.

P.S. I just want to thank everybody at the conference for the great hugs! They will definitely keep me coming back!!

Published in A New Leaf – June 1991

More Articles

  • Surfing The Craving Waves

    Twenty-seven days clean, the ice is cracking and the body remembers how to come back.

    Surfing The Craving Waves
  • The Wisdom of the Tree

    The Divine Wisdom of the Tree Nature’s Lessons in Letting Go Written by, Melon W. I’m admiring the beauty of the pear tree in our yard. She’s in full bloom, strong petals cleaving tightly to their mother until it’s time to take flight and spread a light coating of perfumed snowflakes. As the wind whips…

    The Wisdom of the Tree
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Change comes from desperation or inspiration.” Published in A New Leaf – October 2026

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Before You

    Written by, Elizabeth D. God, I lay my life before you, Grant me inner faith. Me, the denier, The exempt Serenity unknown. To You, I turn— Accept what you lay before me. The will of self-imposed pain… Things that will be relieved. I will learn a new freedom, Cannot fathom the light I will see.…

    Before You
  • Let Go and Let God

    Painted by, Tonya C. Caption: This is a painting I did on a pallet to remind me to let go and let God every day! Published in A New Leaf – October 2026

    Let Go and Let God
  • Life with Hope – MA Anthem

    Written and Performed by, Netta T. Listen to the song: ANLP12.org/Life-with-Hope-song I’m sick of suffering Kicked to death by a thousand bunnies Feels like my life is trash And every day’s the same Wake and bake And play another game Of hide and seek with my stash I need some help to clean this mess…

    Life with Hope – MA Anthem