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

  • Becoming

    Created by, Liz M. Published in A New Leaf – July 2026

    Becoming
  • There is Hope for the Doctor in Recovery

    Written by, Anonymous I’m a marijuana addict in recovery, and I am also a physician. I have struggled with my addiction in secrecy for my entire life, with not even my sister knowing the extent of my use. I lived a double life—one where I was a “goody-two-shoes” and “smarty pants” and the other where…

    There is Hope for the Doctor in Recovery
  • Dear Mary Jane,

    Written by, Don S. There was a time when I didn’t think I would ever be writing this. I pretended and wanted to tell myself that this day would never come. When we first got together and for the first couple of years of our relationship, this ending was not on my bingo card. I…

    Dear Mary Jane,
  • The Dream Slayer

    Written by, Bill H. Here is a word that silently destroys more dreams, more relationships, and more personal growth than anything else……that word is trying. Notice what happens in your body when you hear yourself or hear someone else say, I’ll try. There’s a softening, there’s a pulling back, an energetic step away from a…

    The Dream Slayer
  • Heard in a Meeting

    “First it was magic, then it was misery” Published in A New Leaf – July 2026

    Heard in a Meeting
  • What Changed, What Didn’t

    Written by, Aurelie E. There are momentsthat split time in two—before thisand everything after. Loss that knocks the wind out of a life.Grief that teaches the bodynew postures of survival.Love that arrives like a hand on your backwhen you didn’t know you were bending.Joy so clean, it feels borrowed.Kindness that saves you quietlyand never asks to…

    What Changed, What Didn’t