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 blast and I don’t know how much longer I have left on this planet. But I can tell you that MA changed my life.

Yes I had done some good things in my life, but at one point I was broken down and hollow inside. I’d used marijuana as a way to escape the reality of my lifeIt had become my prison. I didn’t know how to escape or get out of this endless cycle of my continued use and self-abuse. And then I found Marijuana Anonymous. It was the greatest thing that was ever bestowed upon me. MA taught me how to be in a relationship. First with myself, then with God. Then the universe introduced me to my wife, a family, and grandchildren.

It was through service to others that I continue to grow into that person I always wanted to be. I learnt service in the rooms of MA, at the District at World Service, and in working the Steps with others. Then I learnt how to take that service into every aspect of my life. Not only has it taught me how to live, it has taught me how to face death. I can face death without fear. I can tell those who I care about not about my pain but about how much I love them, and how much they mean to me.

I have truly been blessed to have been given these principles to try and practice in all my affairs. Hell, I ain’t perfect, but it’s still progress. I still have my character defects, but they’re not as glaring and I can usually spot them rather quickly than when I was oblivious to them.

This new design for living, that was given to me through the program of MA, is my higher power. It has been my greatest teacher, the light when I was surrounded by darkness, and the vehicle of my salvation.

Most importantly is the fellowship of friends that I have developed—not only in this program, but as a result of this program. They have enriched my life in a way I never thought possible. You’ve taught me not only how to love myself but to share that love with all of you. And I am truly no longer alone.

Published By ANL – November 2025