“All we need is to maintain an open mind and a hopeful heart.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 7

I was hurt for so long by my unidentified hopelessness. Everything was crushing and bigger than a positive thought. I was uncomfortable with the idea of “God restoring me to sanity.” A Higher Power doing so was slightly less intimidating; but I was still unwilling to let go, unwilling to turn my will and my life over to this unknown entity. My sponsor said, “you don’t have to say yes, just stop saying no;” that did it.

Once I stopped saying no, a Higher Power came into my life and heart, giving me a life beyond my wildest dreams. When I reached for help before I found Marijuana Anonymous, I was turned away and I stopped reaching. Older now, I confided my hopelessness to others. My Higher Power shows me how to get out of bed; how to try things that I don’t know how to do.

Final thought: Today, I am able to surrender to hope, instead of hopelessness.