Progress Not Perfection

Written by, Mariska P.

The Fourth MA Conference meant progress and letting go for me. 

Just under two years ago, it was “us” versus “them” and now it is “we”, a true unified entity of marijuana addicts in recovery. My how far we have come. Imagine through all the different opinions and personalities, Marijuana Anonymous maintains its common bond which is our primary purpose to help marijuana addicts who still suffers. The principles in action!

I came to the Conference feeling overwhelmed and even burnt out. I could only think about how much we had to get done. All of a sudden I remembered the infamous slogan “progress, not perfection” which allowed me to let go and focus on doing only that which we could get done.

In addition, this Conference represented the letting go of a three year commitment to MA World Services, which brought up many emotions. I wanted to continue on with public information as that is where my interests lie, yet my recovery comes first. I learned that I can now remain committed to MA and do that service which God puts in my path – namely the newcomers.

I want to thank MA and all of you as I can not express enough how much you all have given me. Keep coming back, Mariska P. (Seattle)

P.S. District 6 did a dynamite job! Thanx

Published in A New Leaf – June 1991

  • Turning 40

    Written By, River B. My birthday is in the fall, often landing on or shortly after the autumn equinox. This year in celebrating with a weekend at my parent’s cottage on the shores of Lake Huron with four of my closest friends, who have all agreed to a sober weekend in support of my new…

    Turning 40
  • Breath of Fresh Air

    Written By, Jules M. While meditating one day, I had a realization… I wasn’t craving cannabis, I was really craving a deep breath and the relief that accompanies it. In active using, I was constantly doing breathing practices. I would take the biggest inhale I could, hold in my breath, take a couple more sips…

    Breath of Fresh Air
  • Heard in a Meeting

    Even if I don’t get this, I may still get something.

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Sober Bell Rock

    Written By Tiffany A. Sober Bell, Sober Bell, Sober Bell RockSober bells bling andSober bells ringAbstaining while cravingAnd fighting the urgeT’is the sign that it’s time to purgeAll of the bongs and roaches you storedParaphernalia, regalia too…Sober from doja’s the Number 1 doorFor your life anew! What a bright time What a right time To write resentments down Such…

    Sober Bell Rock
  • The 12 Step Questions Mash-Up

    Written By Rich C. Is my life unmanageable? Am I powerless over marijuana? Who is God? Who is my Higher Power? Do I now believe or am I open to believing? Can I turn my will and my life over to the care of this God, that I do not truly understand? Can I take…

    The 12 Step Questions Mash-Up
  • Personal Story

    Written By Jess A. I started smoking pot my freshman year of high school. I was an off and on smoker for 40 years. When I was on, I was on. As time progressed and weed got stronger, quitting became more challenging and my ability to live a normal life got harder and harder. I…

    Personal Story