Out of the Woods

Written by, Anonymous

Until I went on the MA Campout, I hadn’t realized I’d completely forgotten something very special. How the rhythm of the waves crashing on the beach make me feel alive and a part of something grand. The ocean has a permanence to it. The ocean, like God, has always been there, only I turned away and chose not to experience it. 

The MA campout brought me back to the ocean, away from the insanity of the city. This gathering of non-practicing addicts proved to me that I can actually have fun in sobriety. I now believe even more so because my senses are not debilitated with sedation. Everything is real!

The sun, the moon – why even the stars were there. Those that went were truly blessed. Back in the city, it rained. While we, not so far away on the shore, enjoyed the warmth of the sun smiling down on us. We shared a little time of our lives together. We played, swam, and basked in the rays. At night, we gathered around a cozy fire and shared. I’m making friends now, friends I never thought I’d have. Real friends! That really care about me. Wow! What a wonderful feeling it is to be cared for and be able to care for others. 

A lot of us had fears prior to going on this campout. I was reluctant until I arrived. Once there, I was grateful I went and surprised that I had such a good time. The fellowship was there and is here always. We only have to allow ourselves to reach out and someone will grab out hand and hold it as long as it needs to be held.

I urge you to get involved and be a part of the wonderful events that are available to us in the program. You’ll be surprised at what a good time you might have. 

Published in A New Leaf – November 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