Dear Essay readers,

Could Roy K. have imagined how Essay would look like when he wrote a letter to the fellowship in 1981? Gradually his letters turned into a newsletter containing sobriety insights and comments, as well as sharing from other SAs, and information on new groups, conventions, etc. Our 1990 book Recovery Continues contains twenty-four of Roy’s reflections from the early Essays.

The first letter in July, 1981 was a reflection on a recent SA meeting. Roy wrote “The feeling of oneness was remarkable. Can’t help feeling the unity was due in part to our individual commitment to what we’re after—freedom from the obsession of lust and sexual sobriety.” This spirit of oneness inspired the desire to reach out to every SA group and individual through a regular free newsletter. Essay “Volume One, Issue One” was mailed out in November, 1981.

Over time, as you will read in this anniversary issue, Roy passed on the editorship and the production of Essays to the Fellowship. What we see today in our global magazine is the current fruit of his early efforts. Whether by subscription to the print version or downloading the free electronic version, the Essay is used around the globe.

In this December issue, you can read members from Australia, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Ireland, Russia, and the USA share what Essay has meant in their recovery. Four former Editors tell you how this forum has been a fulfilling, rewarding, and challenging experience in their lives as recovering sexaholics. We hope you will read and benefit in the same way.