Discussion Topic
The author of “Emotional Sobriety” identifies with the depressions experienced by Bill W. and his discovery of emotional sobriety.
Dear ESSAY
Dear Essay, Over the last several years I have noticed that speakers at International, regional, and even local meetings are not really sharing the pain of what got them to SA. They skip over the past with vague generalizations, so as to get to the recovery part and “focus on the solution.” I think this is misguided. As a newcomer, I need to hear the problem, so I know you understand what I am going through.
Editors’ Corner
Dear Essay readers: This issue of Essay includes many stories on “Humility: Being Right Sized.” Your next issue in December will focus on “Service Work as a Gift.” Please send in any stories or short articles on your experience with Service Work! Future topics are: February, 2019: Sobriety and Relationships; May, 2019: Open-mindedness. Let us hear from you at essay@sa.org
Humor For SA
A sexaholic is energetically doing chores around the house and yard. The partner knows from experience that this behavior is probably “chore-play.”
SIM 2018
The question of whether technology can foster wholly spiritual recovery is being further explored within the International region of Sexaholics Anonymous. As a user of technology to communicate thoughts around the planet, I was nonetheless skeptical when I heard about last year’s Geek Camp.
Helmut M. and Thirty Years of Translations
During the July SA International Conference in St. Louis the Essay had the pleasure of meeting Helmut M. from Germany. Since 1989 Helmut has provided the translations of SA literature into German. During visits to Germany Roy K. stayed with Helmut in his home. He later stayed with Roy and Iris in Simi Valley, California.
New Mexico “S” Gathering
Over a weekend in early September the New Mexico “S” Fellowships held their 18th annual retreat. The retreat welcomes all 12-Step fellowships in New Mexico in support of the sex addict. Represented this weekend were: SA, SAA, SLAA, SCA, S-ANON, and RCA.
Progressive Victory: Alcoholic And Sexaholic
Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”) and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions have proven to be indispensable guides in my recovery journey. When I place these two recovery manuals alongside Sexaholics Anonymous, our White Book, I find helpful connections.
“The Toughest Act in Town”
Steps 1-3 brought me into the SA program (vs. just participating in meetings). Steps 4-9 under the guidance of a sponsor took me though the process of reconciling with my past and connecting rightly with God and others. Steps 10-12 keep me in right relationship with God and others and show me a path ahead to keep growing spiritually.
The God Of My Understanding
I am seeking a timeless and relevant God to assume ownership of all my affairs and provide guidance for all future decisions. This God will negotiate all interactions between me, my true self, and the rest of creation. My new Higher Power will direct my steps to either avoid or correctly navigate difficult and painful situations, self-induced or otherwise, at His discretion.
