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

  • Heard in an MA Meeting

    “By respecting myself, my world changes for the better.” Published in A New Leaf – June 2026

    Heard in an MA Meeting
  • 18 Months Mile-Stone

    Created by, Chris P. Published By A New Leaf – March 2026

    18 Months Mile-Stone
  • An MA Miracle

    Written by, Stefania M. *Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse and Threats Against Life* Hi everyone, my name is Stefania, and I am a marijuana addict. Generation X here and grew up as a hard core Italian. A generation of new breakthroughs, independence and resilience. The generation of “Lachie” kids. Also a beautiful culture, one…

    An MA Miracle
  • Celebrating 30 Days

    Written by, Manuel G Yesterday I reached 30 days without using, and today I want to celebrate that milestone. But this time, I understand something very different: this is not the result of my willpower, my discipline, or my ability to rationalize my way out of addiction. This time I understand that I am here…

    Celebrating 30 Days
  • I Am Not Alone

    Written by, Anneliese B. If someone had told me five, ten, fifteen, or twenty years ago that I’d be a part of a worldwide, loving fellowship of marijuana addicts, I don’t know that I’d have believed them. I had resigned myself to a lifetime of marijuana smoking, and therefore to a lifetime of isolation, fantasized…

    I Am Not Alone
  • Celebrating 37 Years since the 1st MA Unity Conference

    This month we honor MA’s Unity Conference in Morro Bay, CA – June 16-18, 1989 and within this month’s issue of A New Leaf, we have included “A Brief History of MA,” from Life with Hope. Without our founders, MA might not exist today! They bravely spoke up about marijuana addiction in other 12-Step programs,…

    Celebrating 37 Years since the 1st MA Unity Conference