Dear Reader

Firstly, we are in urgent need of more articles - during July we received only three submissions - so please, especially if you have never submitted an article before, put pen to paper and share your experience, strength and hope with us.

For me, Step Nine was about digging deep within myself for the strength to make those direct amends – and to find the humility to ask for support when I needed it. I also took heed of what is written in the 12&12, “Peace of mind cannot be bought at the expense of others” (p.7 Step Nine) and the “Need for discretion” (p.8), which ensures that I consider the well-being of others before making my direct amends. In addition, I never forget that staying sober, one day at a time, is the most important living amend I can make to those I am unable to contact and to my family, especially my mum and dad who both passed away before I came into the Fellowship.

What wonderful foresight there was within the Fellowship in creating Tradition Nine thus ensuring the spirit of service can be fully embraced – whether in voluntary roles throughout our service structure or in paid employment at our Service Offices in York, London and Glasgow. Tradition Nine underlines the difference between the spirit of authority and the spirit of service by stating that, “…we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.” In other words – directly responsible to you and me. For me, AA service is another of my living amends and is a vital part of this amazing spiritual journey of recovery.

…and on that note, we really do need more articles from more Fellows. To those who regularly contribute we are extremely grateful - perhaps you could encourage others to consider sending in an article, as you have done. To you, our readers, please consider writing an article about your recovery journey, expressing your personal experience, strength and hope. I often hear people sharing in meetings with so much heart about their recovery journey and wish they would just put pen to paper in the same way. So, remember the slogan ‘Easy Does It – But Do It!’ and just sit down and write how you feel about your recovery journey. We are not looking for dissertations on the AA Programme, just your story of H.O.W. the AA Programme is working (or not) in your life. Remember, if you include quotations from Conference Approved Literature (CAL), please ensure you include what AA literature you are referring to and the relevant page number.

We look forward to hearing from you.