August 1986

The phone number for SA’s national Central Office in Simi Valley, California is (818) 704-9854. Due to our having only part-time office help, an answering machine is on a considerable portion of the time. But we do respond as soon as we can.

…I continue to go to meetings here in CT as well as NY. Sobriety frees me up inside; I’m less self-conscious. And strangely, time goes more quickly as I am more capable of getting involved in the demands of my profession without the burden of lust. Temptation is ever present; each time I have to decide—once again—and unite myself with my Higher Power.

I can’t ever begin to tell you what SA has meant to me, or how it has changed my life. I still feel like I’m in the midst of an earthquake, and my whole old world is crumbling around me. But the real world that lies beyond is so peaceful! And beautiful. It feels strange not to be on the emotional roller coaster anymore after 30 years of living there.

I believe if I saw myself as I really am, I would not be able to go on. And unless I see more of myself as I really am, I will not see any reason to go on.… I learn by bringing my wrongs to the light. The more I reveal, the more I will have revealed. I can take my inventory, but until I share it with someone, I can’t talk about my willingness to be rid of it.

I have recently turned my addiction over to God through the work of some friends who had gone through it before. Needless to say, the release I now experience is so sweet, compared to the hell I was living before.

Thanks for the literature you sent in the mail. We had our first meeting last week and I am excited about our program getting started. Reaching out is the first step toward recovery. I am confident we will continue to grow—we are three and possibly four people now. It is such a relief to be able to be honest with others and find and give acceptance.…

…Our SA fellowship here has been a great help to my sexual sobriety. In our last meeting, we talked on the Fourth Step. I have found that by working the Steps, I am continuing to grow spiritually. As well as constantly being aware of my addiction.

…Please know that we understand the importance of General Services activity and are very grateful for the efforts…others have put forth to make this program of recovery possible. For these reasons, we have committed to provide support to GSO on a regular basis.…

…We now have two weekly meetings in CT—the “No Matter What” and “Sobriety is Possible” meetings. A third will start on Tuesday, July 22, as a Step meeting; it’s tentatively called “Just for Today.”…