Introduction

In the "old days," they used to publish books in serial form in newspapers. Each week a new chapter was presented. I have decided to do this with my new book, Happy, Joyous & Free. I hope you enjoy the story of my recovery over the last forty-two years. Right now this is a work in progress. When it is finished the book will be available on Amazon.

“We cannot subscribe to the belief that this life is a vale of tears, though it once was just that for many of us. We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free.” Alcoholics Anonymous

On November 7, 1982, I went to my first 12-Step meeting at an elementary school in Piedmont, California. I went at the suggestion of a man who I had a crush on at the time. I would have never gone on my own. This was part of God's plan.

The meeting was Overeaters Anonymous, and I was there because I was anorexic and my health was in danger, not to mention my emotional state. I believe I was having a nervous breakdown.

I was anxious and sat in the back of the room trying to hide in my overcoat. The topic was “reaching out for help.” It was a meeting for beginners.

When I heard to speaker say that coming to this meeting meant we had to ask for help, I said to myself, “I do not need help. I have been taking care of myself since I was fourteen years old. I raised two children on my own.”

Right after saying this to myself, I broke down crying, bowed my head and put my hands over my eyes. A moment later, an emotional state came over me that felt like bliss. At once, I knew that I was in the right place. That I did need to ask for help, and this was the place where I would find it. I just knew from the depth of my soul that I was home.

In the forty-two years since then home has changed. I have found new homes and left others. However, one thing has not changed. I am in recovery. I am growing and learning and changing. As a result, I am “happy, joyous and free.