Little Victories

Written by, Ernest F.

I remember someone saying to share at a meeting. Someone may be going through what you have been through or have known personally. Victories should be shared even if they are little; it provides others with a sense of looking forward, or hope!

Meditation has gotten better for me, I use it all the time, I had to be patient with the time it took for me to be better at it. It is sooo worth it to me. I was starting a relationship with a friend from an old job that I had. We spent some time getting to know one another, we became friends and did things together. When it became physical, knowing each other and being friends made it a lot better. I had not gone about relationships this way before. My emotions and feelings had me understand it was a victory. I had overcome habits and behaviors—that were not really bad, but also not good—besides Cannabis and cigarette smoking. Some C.B.T. helped me (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)—the idea and concept of it, and doing it.

I had heard in meetings that the one-second pause, after some recovery time, becomes a few more seconds in reacting and feeling to things and people. There are lists of thoughts and feelings about an action or word that took place that I can use. Am I not communicating? Did they not understand? They may have some problems. Maybe they are trying their best, and I don’t know that.

I cannot make a resentment for someone, put “it all” upon myself. There is much more, very much more to this. It may be important to know this. In the few seconds pause you can re-frame the thought and the emotional reaction with a conscious and logical effort to try not to be misunderstood or even a little harmful. That few seconds pause got longer than one second. Creativity and reading about how many religious beliefs and psychological concepts are the same or similar and align, the effort helped. The meditation (11th Step) creativity, new relationships and sound healthy beliefs and faiths that are very much similar are the little victories for me. Sharing “little victories” helps you!! Sharing how it was, how it is now, and what you are working towards, helps. EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH, AND HOPE!!

Ernest F.

Published in A New Leaf – July 2025

  • Break Up Letter

    By Jules M. of District 20 Dear Mary Jane, When I discovered you, it was like a miracle had come into my life. You gave me the ability to hyperfocus, to briefly let the troubling world slip away, to access my creativity, to be more social, to practice yoga and meditation, made experiences more enjoyable…

    Break Up Letter
  • Dakaholic in New Zealand

    By Bern G. My name is Bern, I am a marijuana addict. I was born in a small town in the central North Island of New Zealand (NZ). Looking back it was an area that was beautiful to grow up in, especially when I consider where others must grow up. My parents were role models…

    Dakaholic in New Zealand
  • Break Up Letter

    By Jamie L. Mary Jane, It is without regret that I have decided to sever our dysfunctional relationship. We have been an item for 17,520 days, most of which I do not remember, all of which has been a waste of time. You have tried for years to break me, to destroy me, to drag…

    Break Up Letter
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Relapse is just part of the learning process. It teaches you what not to do next time. You’ve found the trigger and are better prepared for the future.” – Anonymous Published in A New Leaf – March 2025

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Depression

    By Danielle D. A blanket of grey covers the skyVitamin D in low supplyThe TV is on, my ass on the couchI really need to fix my awful slouchThis time of year is always toughIf I were a man, I’d surely have scruffFrom days stuck in thoughtAnd a lack of self careWho knows if I’ve…

    Depression
  • Forgetting

    By Remy C. I have a problem. I can’t eat, sleep, or smile. I’m not smoking yet. I just have untreated depression and anxiety and can’t afford therapy. When I find access to marijuana, I think my problem is solved. I can eat. I can sleep. I can smile. I can at least until I…

    Forgetting