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

  • How the Promises Have Come True to Me Through Service

    Written by, Heather C. My time in active addiction was plagued by feelings of uselessness. I felt that I was not a “productive” member of society because I had to stop working due to chronic health issues, and receive disability benefits to survive. Initially, I abused substances more and more to try and push those…

    How the Promises Have Come True to Me Through Service
  • THEN and NOW

    Written by, Al E. The sixties, everybody was tuning in, turning on, and dropping out. I wanted to feel a part of it all. Love-ins, concerts, flowers in my hair, Beatles, Doors, Stones, and even the music went against the “norm.” I’d swear to this day that the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper told us to “smoke…

    THEN and NOW
  • Thought for the Day

    “Yesterday ended last night. Every day is a new beginning learn the skill of forgetting and move on.” – Written by, Norman V.P. Published in A New Leaf – May 1991

    Thought for the Day
  • The Heart of the Seventh Tradition

    Written by, an Anonymous Trusted Servant The Seventh Tradition is about more than “just” money. It’s about unity, responsibility, and protecting MA’s integrity. By declining outside contributions, we remain free from outside influence. That means it’s up to us to keep our fellowship strong. This Tradition is vital to MA’s growth. It deepens our spiritual…

    The Heart of the Seventh Tradition
  • Contemplating Fellowship

    Written by, Geoff F. Recently, it came to my attention that a new MA meeting has been started at the Gay & Lesbian Community Center in West Hollywood. I knew one day such a meeting would start, for if we believe even Master’s and Johnson’s conservative statistics, 10% of all marijuana addicts are gay. I…

    Contemplating Fellowship
  • Being of Service

    Written by, Kathy C. Webster’s Dictionary defines commitment as:“An act of doing or performing something; a promise or pledge to do something.” I describe commitment as a simple extension of oneself in service to others, done in the name of gratitude. We can have no speakers without listeners, no takers without givers. Being of service…

    Being of Service