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

  • Misunderstood Strengths

    Written By, Dan F. I used to look back on my childhood with confusion. I knew I was different—how I learned, how I connected—but I didn’t have the language for it. I just knew I didn’t fit. It wasn’t until I entered recovery that those memories began to shift. Not because they changed, but because…

    Misunderstood Strengths
  • Why I Can’t Use THC Anymore?

    Written By, Emily A. Why I Can’t Use THC Anymore – Even Though It Helped Me Feel Better Personal Reminder for Myself in Recovery THC used to feel like a lifesaver. It helped me relax when nothing else would. It slowed my thoughts, softened the pain, and made the world feel bearable. I turned to…

    Why I Can’t Use THC Anymore?
  • No Longer Alone

    Written by, Michael O. The legs are no longer really working at all and my fingers are all curled up and it’s hard to move my arms.. I don’t know how much longer I will have the ability to work my phone, I’m sure glad we have speech to text. This life has been a…

    No Longer Alone
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “The spiritual side of the program is like the round side of a basketball.” Published in A New Leaf – October 2025

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Marijuana Addict

    Written By, Mark S. I lit the leaf to calm my mind,But found my soul grew more confined.A fleeting peace, a fleeting high,Yet every dawn, the well ran dry. The smoke became a binding chain,A silent thief that numbed my pain.It whispered lies, “You’ll be set free,”While tightening its grip on me. Dreams delayed, and…

    Marijuana Addict
  • Listen

    Written By, Michael J. You are always accompanied by a part of you that’s on your side.ListenA part of you that is urging you toward love, to grow, thrive, and to blossom and bloom.ListenThat part of you is quiet.ListenIt has the potential to roar.ListenHearing its voice makes it louder.ListenThat part of you was made for…

    Listen