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

  • Surrender

    Written by, Anonymous In reality, there is only one thing you dread: letting yourself fall, taking the step beyond all the securities that exist.  And whosoever surrenders himself one single time, whoever has practiced the great act of confidence and entrusted himself to fate, is liberated.  He no longer obeys the laws of earth; he…

    Surrender
  • Addicts on Wheels

    Written by, Brian K. As the sun played hide and seek with the low level clouds hovering over the Southland, a group of MA members gathered in the parking lot of Venice Beach for District Six’s first scheduled bicycle ride on September 21st. Packing lunches and water bottles, the riders pumped up their tires, strapped…

    Addicts on Wheels
  • GREEN DRAGON

    Written by, Joel I find I must be wary of dragonsBecause some are recognizable,And some are notOnce in my youthA green oneCame alongChameleon-like with charmBreathed his vapors on meAnd smelling their sweetnessI rode with scaley scaley visionsReplacing all of my dreamsWith empty drago smokeI couldn’t seeThat under the tie dye and love beadsA sinister reptile…

    GREEN DRAGON
  • The Day Has Come

    Written by, Anonymous The day has come to take an accounting of my life. Have I dreamed of late of the person I want to be, of the changes I would make in my daily habits, in the way I am with others? Have I reviewed my vision of the world I want to live…

    The Day Has Come
  • Thoughts from the Field: The First Step

    Written by, Anonymous I am a marijuana addict because when using pot, it was the most important thing in my life. More important than anyone or anything. It helped to suppress all the inadequacies I felt. It helped me not to feel the pain of not living up to expectations. It enabled me not to…

    Thoughts from the Field: The First Step
  • Yom Kippur and Sukkot

    Written by, Ellen B. As a Marijuana addict in recovery, my Jewish High Holyday season has a natural connection to working the Twelve Steps and practicing the spiritual principles daily. A New Leaf requested submissions for Yom Kippur and Sukkot, therefore this piece of writing will only focus on these parts of the holiday season.…

    Yom Kippur and Sukkot