I have always been fascinated by real life personal transformation and growth stories. When you see and hear someone achieving a great success - it is very inspiring.
Here's the record of my email conversation with Linda who managed to overcome her long addiction to substances.
While this message comes without much introduction (here on the forum) - this was Linda's reply to me by email on my inquiry about her path to returning to normal and happier life.

I was so messed up when I first got clean (short term memory loss, muscle spasms, anorexic, ect.) that I sat in a fog in meeting for at least the first 5 or 6 months. But what struck me about the majority of the people, was a look in their eyes. I knew that was something from within them. A joy, a freedom, something I had never experianced. I was welcomed and not judged and was told to ask for help.

It was slow going for awhile because my body and mind were no where in alingment, but I kept going back and slowly things started to make sense. The short version of the first 3 steps is...I can't, He can, I will let Him. Step 3 is the most important one to me because that is THE letting go and letting God direct my life. That was letting God be in charge of my thinking, then eventually my actions changed because I wasn't thinking the same way anymore.

And alot about forgiveness and especially self-forgiveness. But 12 steps are not geared toward therapy and getting to the root of things. And I have heard many wonder filled stories thru the years, and sponsored (helped others learn how the steps work) many and learned alot about myself and letting God guide me.

I needed the steps. That made sense to me. Do this and this and this and things will change.My perspective about myself in God's world changed, my behavior toward others and on and on.

But I have also been a seeker, even in addiction. I knew there was a better plan than what I was living, but I also believe for me, that God allowed my drug use, because I could not have survived without something to dull the pain. He allowed me to do that until I was so ready to learn another way.

I have read alot also, but tended to try and see any messages God had for me in any situation. I think our journeys are as unique as our fingerprints, and even at different stages of my life, I could read something I read a year ago, and things had a different meaning because I was more open to possibilities.

I was blessed to be able to attend the Forum a more modern version of est. That rocked my beliefs about alot of things. Being so attatched to my "story" for one.

Many experiances and alot learned. Some things no longer apply because I am in a different spiritual place. But you are right, unconditional love. I don't know if I can attain that in this life, but I practice it. And when I am in charge of my own life something is off kilter, I am not content, so back to basics.

Thank you for being open to our communicating. I want to learn more about you and the things that have made your life what it is. I will be going to your site as soon as I finish this.

Do you believe in angels ? Would love to hear what your expereances have been with this.And am also interesed in why you may not believe. I am very open and love exchanging thoughts , ideas and experiances.
Thank you for letting me be me.. that is priceless