“We asked for freedom from anything that limited our recovery and inhibited our relationship with our Higher Power.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 31

Every day, I ask for the removal of any aspect of my character that blocks me from the love, grace, and guidance of my Higher Power. It is the times when I’m asking with genuine humility that I feel a shift in my perspective and an opening in my heart. I know that if I humbly ask and humbly listen, my life will continue to transform and grow.

In our literature, there is a reference to a “Master Gardener” who helps us remove the weeds in order to create space for our gardens to grow. In active addiction, I got lost in the weeds that took over my garden, and became disconnected from what my garden was meant to become. In recovery, I recognize those weeds are my shortcomings. I have to identify those shortcomings and actively participate in weeding them out and letting them go. I do this by being willing to change and humbly asking for these self-defeating aspects to be removed.

My hope is that through the transformational process found in the 12 Steps and a commitment to this fellowship, I will be able to grow into the person I was designed to be. As a result, I can be of greater service to others and live a more joyful, meaningful, and peaceful garden of life!

Final thought: Today, I will humbly ask and willingly listen to the wisdom of my Higher Power with an open mind and hopeful heart, trusting there is a divine plan for me.