Growing Lotuses in the Blossoming Garden of My New Life

Written by, Emma S.

In my old life of addiction and escapism, I was deluded to think that running away would solve any problems; on reflection it kept me stuck in the same place as life moved forward without me. With the support of MA literature and fellowship, within myself I have found new ways to cope with existing problems, and due to my emotions being available I have been confronted with some truths; yet the power I used to give away is available to me to solve those problems and stay surfing on the sea of life. I am grateful to those who went before me and those who are alongside me in recovery, so that I am building my life day by day, instead of letting each day pass by.

“I am actively growing lotuses to admire, instead of being transfixed by the desire to sit still and eat them.”

Published in A New Leaf – November 2026

  • But What If…

    Written By Anthony As I sit in this first day of sobriety, laying in the bed waiting to get sleepy after taking a sleep aid, I’m thinking to myself “But what if I lose it all from disconnecting from everything and everyone?” Only to realize that those what-ifs are what’s kept me trapped for so…

    But What If…
  • Gripped by Green

    Written by, Amy K. Chaos crowned my childhood years,a crown of grief, a flood of tears.Mum was gone before I knewhow fragile love, how brief, how true. At eight, the world was cracked and cold,foster hands, but none to hold.Brother lost to darker fires,needles, powders, failed desires. I found my comfort in the haze,at twelve…

    Gripped by Green
  • A Simple Conversation

    Written by, Michael J. A fellow’s post reminded me of a simple conversation I had this morning with the love of my life. It was about how taking something non-narcotic to help me sleep only works if I take it about once a month. If taken more often than that, it does nothing. That simple…

    A Simple Conversation
  • Poem

    Written by, Jessyka C. Mary Jane,My beloved, my wife, my true love,I’m so sad to be leaving you behind, turning down a different lane,But I know I can do better than you, eventually, although you do send me above,I feel I need to be on the straight and narrow for a little while,Take some time…

    Poem
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “Fear is courage that has said its prayers” Published in A New Leaf – February 2026

    Heard in a Meeting
  • Fire & Light

    Created by, Chris P. This is a drawing I made for the new year 2026, wishing for fire & light within. I started drawing only when I was about 9 months into recovery. Inspired by an MA fellow who shared their drawing. I always thought I couldn’t draw or paint and hence never tried. The…

    Fire & Light