Her sponsor helped her admit deep resentment towards her adoptive mother. Rigorous is “an adjective that means extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate.” Rigorous honesty is a commitment to complete truthfulness in all aspects of life, even when it's difficult or has consequences. Phew.
The Steps replace the addictive process with a Program of recovery. This happened almost 20 years ago, when I was just beginning this recovery Program.
La Liberacion On the last Friday of every month, the SA group "La Liberación" in Bogotá joyfully celebrates the gift of sobriety. Each member is honored with a sobriety coin and a certificate—a powerful reminder of the journey we share.
She discovered the two things that make up her self-esteem. I learned very early that life was all about being a good girl, pleasing, being obedient and nice. I was being raised to be a good wife in the style of those days. My parents, of course, were blameless, giving me everything they knew to shape me as they had been.
Congratulations to Gary L. for winning the Best Caption Contest with his caption, “Coming out from the shell is hard for me too.” He will receive a free copy of the October edition in the mail. Also, congratulations to Gene T.
A license plate reminds him that recovery is one day at a time. One day in the spring of 2024, I had an appointment with my eye doctor in Oshawa, Ontario (Canada). Parked right outside the office building was this motorcycle. I stood stock still for a moment, looking at the license plate—ODAAT—and the yellow bumper sticker above it—ONE DAY AT A TIME.
Fusagasugá witnessed the 13th National Convention of SA Colombia. It was a meeting of souls, where hope blossomed, and unity became real. There, I discovered that there are no broken people—only valuable human beings fighting against this painful disease. I felt the presence of our Higher Power everywhere. Every day, I fall more in love with SA.
Taking a look at himself and sharing what he found let the light of recovery shine on his shame. An unknown SA member said, “If you want light, keep the curtains open. The curtains are made of selfishness.” I was not only driven by a hundred forms of fear, as the Big Book says, but also by a thousand forms of guilt and shame.
Step Nine showed him how to proceed without putting himself down. I am Tim, from Brussels. I discovered I am a sexaholic about two years ago. After a summer of destructive acting out, a painful rock bottom, and therapy, it became clear that I needed help from a 12-Step program. It was a great relief. I have been addicted to lust since my teenage years without knowing it.
A reflection on 30 years of working the Program reveals a life worth living. Thirty years ago today, August 8th, 1995, I walked into a church, sat down in a room full of strangers, and said: “My name is Bill and I’m…” Thirty years ago today, I started on a journey called Recovery.
