“…practically everyone can easily and naturally draw strength and support from the fellowship.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 7

Getting to know other recovering addicts can extend outside the rooms and the meetings. Often the newcomer can share more directly and inclusively in our deepening experience and explore new concepts like compassion, strength, and hope. This is one way of showing gratitude and it blesses not only us but those with whom we share it. Minds are opened to new possibilities of hope over despair. When I start understanding that we do together what we cannot do alone, I awaken my consciousness to a powerful spirit of unity. A trail has been blazed for us to follow and, together, we can proceed in a Good Orderly Direction (i.e. God.) Those gentle warriors that blazed this trail have led by example and, when we care and share our new way of life, we honor their spirits.

Faith allows me to be fully present with fellow addicts in whom I trust and who trust me. Honesty becomes second nature. I live fully, love wastefully, and become what my Higher Power means me to be. It becomes less about me and more about us as we grow our spirit and reach out to newcomers and to addicts who still suffer. I become music, soar to new heights, and become so encompassed in faith that I illuminate new trails I could never have imagined as I walked in the darkness. You might read all this and say, “Whoa, easy does it—I just wanna quit weed!” This is where recovery begins. Because I’ve been there, I can tell you that a whole new life awaits you; just start following some simple Steps.

Final thought: Today, you can trust your heart to something that can help you do the impossible. It is suggested that we just show up, be consciously present, and have faith by opening ourselves to a Higher Power.