After years of being dominated by lust, this member is living life on a spiritual plane as a result of practicing the Program, with deep love for sponsorship. 

In my early childhood, I dreamed that something great was going to happen in my life. These were childish fantasies—on the level of a big castle, beautiful nature all around, a “prince,” and a rich, heavenly life. As a child, I believed in my beautiful fairy tale.

But life has its own adjustments to make…I grew up, and my fantasies changed beyond recognition; I began to crave debauchery more and more. And there it was—the great power of lust! Lust killed everything: my childhood faith, naivety, curiosity, and interest in life.

I came to SA at the age of 45, feeling completely alone, with a long-term marriage and five children behind me. Any hope for happiness and freedom from lust had slipped away. I was resigned to moving toward my sad end, completely unable to understand how to feel warmth or see the light. The cold held me not only from the outside but also from within. Gradually, the ice began to melt, though I periodically slipped back into illusions of a beautiful life. But every time I came back to SA, I would gulp in the fresh air again.

I now have seven months of sobriety according to the SA definition. I have finally reached the spiritual level of the SA Twelve-Step Program. And the main engine driving me is my sponsee. She pushes me to move forward, for which I am grateful.

Thinking back to those childhood dreams, I want to say that the Great Event is what is happening now. The great fact is that when I wake up in the morning, I thank my Higher Power for me being at home, in my own bed, and for being sober. I have clarity in my head and serenity in my soul. And in moments when lust attacks, I thank my Higher Power even more for not abandoning me, for keeping me safe, and for loving me.