December 2012

Finally Free

What’s Going On in SA

Dear SA Family: With a heavy heart, I’m sharing the sad news of the deaths of Roy K.’s son Howard, Howard’s wife, and their son. Thank you all for your prayers, respect, love, and kind thoughts now and in the future for the family.

By |2024-07-17T13:17:25-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on What’s Going On in SA

Grateful for the Fellowship

The holiday season can be the most difficult time of year for many of us, myself included, but it is important to remember that we truly are blessed. Blessed with friends who care about what happens in our lives—friends who care about us in spite of our past, not because of it. If I have learned nothing else during my time in SA, I have learned that I never need to be alone again.

By |2024-07-17T13:17:21-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on Grateful for the Fellowship

Step Nine: My Indirect Amends

When I met with my sponsor to discuss my work on Step Eight, I was surprised that he crossed out several names on my list. He approved of my making direct amends to my wife (who knew about my acting out), but he said it might be hurtful for me to make direct amends to some of the other people on my list.

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Reflections on Step Three

For my Step Three, my sponsor suggested that I answer a standard set of questions that we use in our local groups. The answers I found were illuminating for me, and I shared my Step Three with my SA group. The feedback I got from the group was positive—several members even encouraged me to submit my Step to ESSAY!

By |2024-09-09T14:26:44-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on Reflections on Step Three

Overcoming Expectation and Resentment

I’m Steve, a recovering sexaholic, sober since December 14, 2002. I am living a much better life today, thanks to SA and the Twelve Step program of recovery.

By |2024-07-17T13:17:07-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on Overcoming Expectation and Resentment

The Flimsy Reed

The AA Big Book contains a number of gripping phrases or metaphors. In describing the panic felt by anyone who has hit rock bottom, Bill W. wrote: “We, in our turn, sought the same escape with all the desperation of drowning men. What seemed at first a flimsy reed, has proved to be the loving and powerful hand of God” (AA 28).

By |2024-07-17T13:18:49-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on The Flimsy Reed

My Akron Miracle

I’m certain that I’ve experienced miracles from God throughout my recovery. I’m also certain that I’m blind to most of His handiwork. So the times when I can emphatically state “That was a God thing” are very special to me. One such time occurred at my first SA International Convention.

By |2024-07-17T13:16:58-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on My Akron Miracle

Sex and the Single Sexaholic

“I’m in a serious, monogamous relationship. I love him, and I’m certain that we’re going to get married. Why doesn’t SA support sex in this type of committed relationship? I’m able to stay present during sex, and it’s about connection, not escape. I don’t have religious convictions about waiting until marriage.

By |2024-11-05T15:13:13-06:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on Sex and the Single Sexaholic

Letting Go of My Secret Life

As I travel to many states and countries sharing my recovery message, I’m often asked the same question: “When and how should I tell the people closest to me that I’m a member of SA?” While each situation is different, I try to pass on general principles.

By |2024-07-17T13:16:49-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on Letting Go of My Secret Life

My Buddy Art

On a beautiful spring night in 2009, I was driving to a funeral home south of the city, listening to an old cassette tape, a gift from Art L. “My buddy… my buddy, “he crooned. “Your buddy… misses you!” The familiar gruff voice with its approximate pitching brought back a flood of memories. I wondered what had happened to my friend.

By |2024-07-17T13:16:44-05:00December 2, 2012|Comments Off on My Buddy Art