Growth, and Small Changes

Written by, Ernest F.

I went and helped someone move into a new place. I had been friends for years, we were co-workers. I would always expect good work, and good conversation, when we were placed together to work. I had left the company some years before. The move was good, and we talked. After some days we went out just casually. After a few times we seemed to get along, we seemed somewhat similar in ways. I thought back to how it was years before, I felt and believed we certainly liked each other. We continued to date. I thought we are dating each other for some time now. Where is this going: what will happen, what should I feel, what should I say, what should I think of this. What I want, I want, to get intimate now is always better than later. We continued to date: Restaurants, flea markets, seeing musical groups, 4th of July celebrations, the beach. I felt I get to know this person, former co-worker better, I allowed my feelings to grow more. At a point there was intimacy, but I sensed my way, I trusted really knowing someone. This was growth, I want what I want, when I wanted it ended. I sensed my way, trusted myself the other person, and a process. Throughout many years, addict behaviors, think and memories. I see, I realize enough feelings, and behaviors will be healed. When others are first! I will allow it.

When I first started in the program of Marijuana Anonymous, I realized I smoked too much! “I will go to meetings”, I thought. The Steps may work; I made a list of defects, possible thoughts, beliefs that I may have gotten from both parents, my shortcomings. I believed I knew a little about popular psychology, and self-help. I went to the program. I decided I WAS AN ADDICT. My thinking, my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Marijuana was not all the problem. It was me! I went to more meetings, got a sponsor, and took a commitment. I got out of the way, let go and let God. I thought I was going to fix myself and be the program… After 90 days, 6 months, A thought or feeling I knew would arise was gone. Stop, wait, I did not do anything….”God was helping us, when we could not help ourselves. The defect was gone. I try to figure things out, but that is not how it works. I could sense I grew as a person. I would share small changes at meetings. Some people surely had been through similar things. If I “opened up” and felt okay, others will. others in their “shares” would mention things, but not towards me. God is doing with us Change, and healing in many different ways. I will just step out of the way.

Published in A New Leaf – September 2026

  • 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