“We learn to give without expecting rewards. We act as responsible members of society, living not in isolation but with a sense of community.”

– Life with Hope, first edition, page 68

For so long, I got high and isolated. I felt unlovable and worthless. Eventually, I realized that I didn’t want marijuana in my life; I didn’t want depression and isolation. When I came into MA I found that I didn’t have to live this way. I found love and understanding. I know that my disease of marijuana addiction is progressive and know that my recovery can be progressive too.

In recovery, I have the things that I always wanted: love, connection to my Higher Power, and acceptance. I am grateful that I can enjoy life every day. I can participate in my life now, instead of watching life pass me by. Recovery helps me to be my true self. I can love myself and let others love me. I work at loving myself and I will work just as hard as I have at not liking myself. Now I ask my Higher Power for guidance so that I can try to do the next right thing with joy. I know that my Higher Power’s plan will always result in the highest possible good. Now I can live a life of serenity, honesty, and joy, while staying present and being of service to others, one day at a time.

Final thought: Every day, I thank my Higher Power for another day, clean and sober. I ask my Higher Power for the knowledge that I’m lovable and capable of giving and receiving love.