December 18th – Time is Not a Tool

December 18th - an old pocket watch half buried in the sand

“Continuous and thorough action is essential to our recovery.”

Life with Hope, second edition, page 68

After many years in Marijuana Anonymous, I know that if my brain was to tell me I’m not an addict and maybe I can use again, it’s my addiction talking. Gratefully, I’ve never lost my fear of going back to being a slave to marijuana. It quit working long before I was able to quit. I have a daily reprieve IF I continue to attend meetings, work the Steps with a sponsor, and give away what I have been so freely given.

Early on, I heard a member say, “Time is not a tool.” This tells me that no matter how long I’ve been clean, my years don’t keep me clean today. Time shows me that I can get through all kinds of experiences staying clean but I still need to do the work.
When I was new, I thought the tools would be different when I had more time; but I’ve discovered that the tools are always the same, no matter whether I have a day or 10 years: going to meetings, working the steps, and working with others.

Final thought: I wake up each morning and give thanks for another day, and ask to stay clean for this 24 hours.

Living Every Day with Hope – Copyright © 2025 Marijuana Anonymous World Services. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the publisher. Marijuana Anonymous groups have been granted limited permission to quote Living Every Day with Hope.

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