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Hope in Writing

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I love our literature. Thank God for all the many members who have taken time over the years to share their experience, strength, and hope in writing, giving our Fellowship this rich resource. By the grace of God, I’ve now been abstinent for two and a half years, the longest period in my history of recurring relapse. I attribute my abstinence not only to working the Steps and relying on God but also to giving service on the literature committee in my country.

I’d attended an annual recovery convention and heard about a service position packing literature orders for shipping. It required three months of abstinence, which I didn’t have at that time. Something in me really wanted to do it, and, for me, the desire to be a part of the bigger picture and give service at this level was (and continues to be) an important additional motivation not to pick up that first compulsive bite. I already owned almost every OA publication available, but I now have a room in my house dedicated to storing swathes more of it, which I get to package up and send to my fellows all around the country. Sometimes I get to bring literature along to local workshops and retreats. What a privilege.

So much of our literature has blessed me; it’s hard to single out one piece. After taking inventory earlier this year, I learned that the print version of A New Beginning: Stories of Recovery from Relapse was being discontinued. As the stock on my shelf dwindled, I rediscovered this piece of literature and remembered the part it played to keep me coming back during my recurring relapse years. One of my favorite quotes has to be, “I may indeed be very busy, but I won’t have a life if I don’t put my program first” (pp. 14–15). I have found this to be true. My life can get so full of “vitally important” things it seems I don’t have time for recovery.

I like a similar analogy I heard recently. A speaker said that when she comes home from shopping and goes to put something in the freezer, it looks as if there’s no space for it. However, when she puts the item in the freezer first and then fits everything else in around it, miraculously, there’s room. That’s like recovery. Without prioritizing abstinence and recovery, I am no good as a wife, mother, friend, businesswoman, or any of the other roles I need to play.

I am so grateful to past members who contributed service at every level to build our literature and to all who contribute today. I really believe it’s one of the many ways that together we get better.

— Anonymous, United Kingdom

Editor’s note: A New Beginning e-books are still available from online retailers.

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