“Recovery…is a process, not an event.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 4

When I first started attending Marijuana Anonymous meetings, I thought that I would get “recovered” in about six months and then I would be able to smoke marijuana like a “regular” person. I actually thought that I would celebrate my six months clean time by smoking a joint! A friend told me that this was not the way to celebrate my recovery. I listened to my friend and I celebrated by continuing to go to MA meetings instead.

I discovered that those in Marijuana Anonymous would love me until I loved myself. Now my best friends are my recovery friends and they have enhanced my life. I diligently worked the Steps with my sponsor. This helped me establish a strong foundation for my recovery. Slowly, I was able to let go of the guilt and shame of the past, which had limited my spiritual growth. I now realize that while I was using, I wasn’t growing. I was just hanging on to the old thoughts and fears.

My recovery journey was difficult sometimes, but every event was an opportunity for growth. This required work, but now I have a greater spiritual connection. Recovery saved my life and I am so grateful to my Higher Power. Now, I am able to be my true self. My life is happy now; I feel at peace. I am so grateful that I have trudged this “road of happy destiny.”

Final thought: Today and every day, I thank my Higher Power for another day clean and sober. I am so grateful!