
“Recovery…is a process, not an event.”
– Life with Hope, first edition, page 4
When I first started attending Marijuana Anonymous meetings, I thought that I would get “recovered” in about six months and then I would be able to smoke marijuana like a “regular” person. I actually thought that I would celebrate my six months clean time by smoking a joint! A friend told me that this was not the way to celebrate my recovery. I listened to my friend and I celebrated by continuing to go to MA meetings instead.
I discovered that those in Marijuana Anonymous would love me until I loved myself. Now my best friends are my recovery friends and they have enhanced my life. I diligently worked the Steps with my sponsor. This helped me establish a strong foundation for my recovery. Slowly, I was able to let go of the guilt and shame of the past, which had limited my spiritual growth. I now realize that while I was using, I wasn’t growing. I was just hanging on to the old thoughts and fears.
My recovery journey was difficult sometimes, but every event was an opportunity for growth. This required work, but now I have a greater spiritual connection. Recovery saved my life and I am so grateful to my Higher Power. Now, I am able to be my true self. My life is happy now; I feel at peace. I am so grateful that I have trudged this “road of happy destiny.”
Final thought: Today and every day, I thank my Higher Power for another day clean and sober. I am so grateful!
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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