--- title: Blog | Maj Donovan description: Maj Donovan is a person in long-term recovery with over four decades of sobriety. He is an author, blogger, lecturer and teaches a monthly workshop at “The Retreat” on the 12 Steps and Sponsorship. --- [![The retreat](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png?width=271&name=logo.png "The retreat")](https://www.theretreat.org/) ON-LINE [Meeting Resources](https://www.myrecovery.org/online-meetings/) EMAIL US [info@theretreat.org](mailto:info@theretreat.org) CALL US [866-928-3434](tel:8669283434) [![ The Retreat ](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/file-2373138307-png/TheRetreat-Jan2015_Theme/img/logo.png.png?width=460&name=logo.png.png " The Retreat ")](https://www.theretreat.org/) - [About](http://www.theretreat.org/about) - [History](http://www.theretreat.org/about/history) - [Staff](http://www.theretreat.org/staff-and-leadership-team) - [Board of Directors](http://www.theretreat.org/about/board-of-directors) - [FAQs](http://www.theretreat.org/about/faqs) - [Testimonials](http://www.theretreat.org/about/testimonials) - [Careers](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/2025-Documents/Kitchen-Now-Hiring.png) - [Programs](http://www.theretreat.org/programs) - [Men’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/mens-residential-program) - [Women’s Residential](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/womens-residential-program) - [Virtual Recovery Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/virtual-recovery-programs) - [Evening Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/evening-programs) - [55Plus Hybrid Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/55plus-program) - [Relapse Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/relapse-programs) - [Renewal Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/renewal-program) - [Family Program](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/family-program) - [Sober Housing](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/the-retreat-residences) - [Service Payments](http://www.theretreat.org/service-payments) - [Retreats & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats) - [Retreats, Classes & Workshops](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat) - [Reserve McIver Center](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/private-group-retreats) - [Food Addiction Retreat (COR)](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/cor-retreats) - [Love First Training Institute](http://www.theretreat.org/programs/weekend-retreats/sponsored-by-the-retreat/love-first) - [Donate](http://www.theretreat.org/donate) - [Make a Gift](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-giving-form) - [Scholarship Support](https://info.theretreat.org/donate-support-scholarship) - [Donor Recognition & Tribute Opportunities](http://www.theretreat.org/our-next-step-naming-and-recognition) - [Alumni & Friends](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends) - [Calendar](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/calendar) - [Recovery Community Activities](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/recovery-community-activities) - [Alumni Association Events](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-association-events) - [Breakfast Club](http://www.theretreat.org/breakfast-club) - [Event Gallery](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/alumni-event-gallery) - [Kenny’s Recipes](http://www.theretreat.org/alumni-friends/kennys-recipes) - [Golf Extravaganza 2026](http://www.theretreat.org/golf-extravaganza) - [Women in Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/women-in-recovery) - [Research](http://www.theretreat.org/research) - [Abstinence-Based Recovery](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery) - [Outcome Studies](http://www.theretreat.org/the-retreat-outcome-studies) - [Outcomes](http://www.theretreat.org/research/outcomes) - [Research On 12-Steps](http://www.theretreat.org/research-on-12-step-abstinence-based-recovery) - [Spiritual Direction](http://www.theretreat.org/spiritual-direction) - Media - [Blog](https://blog.theretreat.org) - [Podcast](http://www.theretreat.org/media/podcast) - [Newsroom](http://www.theretreat.org/media/in-the-news) - [Videos](http://www.theretreat.org/media/video-resources) - [Contact](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us) [NEED HELP NOW?](https://info.theretreat.org/contact-us) ![RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg?width=5688&name=Retreat_Blog_Banner_Image_Final.jpg "RetreatBlogBannerImage.jpg") ## Maj Donovan ![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hs-fs/hubfs/none-circle-1.png?width=35&name=none-circle-1.png) Maj Donovan is a person in long-term recovery with over four decades of sobriety. He is an author, blogger, lecturer and teaches a monthly workshop at “The Retreat” on the 12 Steps and Sponsorship. ## Recent Posts [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/An%20Army%20of%20One%20vs%20A%20Program%20of%20We.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/an-army-of-one-vs-a-program-of-we) ## [An Army of One vs A Program of We](https://blog.theretreat.org/an-army-of-one-vs-a-program-of-we) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Dec 9, 2025 1:58:31 PM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/an-army-of-one-vs-a-program-of-we#comments-listing) ## An Army of One In the 90’s the United States Army had a recruiting campaign entitled "An Army of One." It was supposed to appeal to the individualism of Gen Y.  The campaign failed miserably and was soon discarded. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/an-army-of-one-vs-a-program-of-we) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/4H%E2%80%99s%20of%20Recovery.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-4hs-of-recovery) ## [The 4H’s of Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-4hs-of-recovery) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Nov 19, 2025 8:13:56 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-4hs-of-recovery#comments-listing) A popular adolescent development program is called 4-H. It stands for: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. The 4-H program helps develop leadership, public speaking, and problem-solving skills, in adolescents and teens. It also focuses on improved academic performance and increased community involvement. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-4hs-of-recovery) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/What%20Time%20Does%20the%20630%20Meeting%20Start.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-time-does-the-630-meeting-start) ## [What Time Does the 6:30 Meeting Start?](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-time-does-the-630-meeting-start) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Oct 21, 2025 11:32:52 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery), [12 steps of aa](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-time-does-the-630-meeting-start#comments-listing) In my recovery group, if the minute hand reads :32 minutes after the hour and the meeting hasn’t started, someone will gently ask the chairperson, “What time does the 6:30 meeting start?” This will usually elicit some laughter from the attendees, and then the chairperson will start the meeting. However, this raises a bigger question: when does the meeting start? [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/what-time-does-the-630-meeting-start) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Leaving%20God%20to%20Find%20God.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/leaving-god-to-find-god) ## [Leaving God to Find God?](https://blog.theretreat.org/leaving-god-to-find-god) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Sep 8, 2025 9:21:02 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery), [12 steps of aa](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 4 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/leaving-god-to-find-god#comments-listing) ## Introduction Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has long been regarded as one of the most influential mutual support programs in the world. It truly is the origin of the peer-to-peer help model. Rooted in spiritual principles, AA emphasizes the concept of a "Higher Power of your own understanding." Ebby Thatcher first introduced this idea to Bill Wilson, the cofounder of AA. Ebby said, to Bill, “Why don’t you choose your own conception of God?” (Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 12). This idea was revolutionary to Bill and would start him down a path toward permanent sobriety which he achieved the following month. This idea became a bedrock of AA spiritual principles. This incident became so foundational that AA historians have named it the GOMU moment, or “God of My Understanding” moment. [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/leaving-god-to-find-god) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Spiritual%20Experience%20or%20Spiritual%20Awakening.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening) ## [Spiritual Experience or Spiritual Awakening?](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Aug 8, 2025 12:54:34 PM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [Recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery), [12 steps of aa](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 3 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening#comments-listing) “The Master entered a village where he was met by ten lepers who stood at a distance. They raised their voices, saying, “Master, have mercy on us!” When the Master saw them, he said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” As they went, they were cleansed. Upon realizing that they had been made clean of their leprosy, one returned to thank the great Healer.  The Master looked upon the man and asked, “Where are the other nine?” He then said, “Go, for your faith has healed you.”” (Lk 17, 11-19).  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/spiritual-experience-or-spiritual-awakening) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/The%20Fallacy%20of%20Harm%20Reduction.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction) ## [The Fallacy of Harm Reduction](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Jul 9, 2025 8:15:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [alcohol abuse](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcohol-abuse), [Drug Rehab](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-rehab), [Drug Addiction](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/drug-addiction) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 13 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction#comments-listing) In the substance use disorder field, harm reduction aims to minimize the negative consequences of using mood altering chemicals without requiring their cessation. Harm reduction has evolved as a key strategy in public health, particularly in areas like, sexual health, and environmental impact. Advocates tout it as a compassionate and rational approach to societal challenges. Critics have raised concerns about its limitations, unintended consequences, ethical dilemmas and mixed messages. This article explores harm reduction, examining its assumptions, and challenges its application for the real alcoholic.  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/the-fallacy-of-harm-reduction) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/WHEN%20GOD%20ASKS.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks) ## [When God Asks...](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Jun 9, 2025 10:34:24 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [12 Steps](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Volunteering](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/volunteering) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks#comments-listing) Recently, a service entity was asked to take a recovery meeting into a homeless shelter. Representatives went to the homeless shelter to determine the need and request. They didn’t want to be guilty of “rushing in where angels fear to tread.”  At the following business meeting it was reported that they wouldn’t bring a recovery meeting into the shelter because of “safety concerns.” This didn’t sit well with my recovery group. We had been asked for help, and we said, “no.” This seemed contrary to the principles of the program.  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/when-god-asks) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Young%20People%20in%20AA.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa) ## [Young People in AA](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Apr 30, 2025 10:23:00 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 8 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa#comments-listing) One of the oldest continuously running Young People's AA groups in the state of Minnesota, is the Thursday Night Young Peoples' AA Group, affectionately known as TNYPAA (pronounced Tin E Pa). This article describes how the group has survived for nearly a half-century.  [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/young-people-in-aa) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Transformational%20Moments%20in%20Alcoholics%20Anonymous.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous) ## [Transformational Moments in Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Mar 27, 2025 9:22:51 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [Alcoholics Anonymous](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous), [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 4 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous#comments-listing) When I think about the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) I am reminded of three significant transformational moments. The first moment occurred in late November 1934, when Bill Wilson’s old drinking buddy Ebby Thacher dropped in on Bill for a visit. Bill was looking forward to tying one on with his old friend, but Ebby refused Bill’s offer to have a drink. Ebby told Bill he had found religion and didn’t need “the drink” anymore.  Bill wasn’t impressed and surmised that his gin would outlast his friend’s preaching (Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 9). Ebby pressed Bill encouraging him to develop a relationship with God.   [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/transformational-moments-in-alcoholics-anonymous) [![](https://blog.theretreat.org/hubfs/Detrimental%20Effects%20of%20Gossip%20on%20a%20Group.png)](https://blog.theretreat.org/detrimental-effects-of-gossip-on-a-group) ## [Detrimental Effects of Gossip on a Group](https://blog.theretreat.org/detrimental-effects-of-gossip-on-a-group) \[fa icon="calendar'\] Feb 27, 2025 9:34:30 AM / by [Maj Donovan](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan) posted in [recovery process](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-process), [family recovery](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/family-recovery), [AA meetings](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings), [Recovery Program](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) [\[fa icon="comment"\] 0 Comments](https://blog.theretreat.org/detrimental-effects-of-gossip-on-a-group#comments-listing) In the suggested closing of Al-Anon Family groups we find the following phrase… “Talk to each other, reason things out with someone else, but let there be no gossip or criticism of one another. Instead, let the understanding, love, and peace of the program grow in you one day at a time.” [Read More \[fa icon="long-arrow-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/detrimental-effects-of-gossip-on-a-group) [All posts](https://blog.theretreat.org/all) [Next \[fa icon="angle-double-right"\]](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/maj-donovan/page/2) ### Subscribe to Email Updates [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/478538/839b1295-222c-440a-a31f-5be26d9a5570) - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Alcoholics Anonymous (181)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholics-anonymous) - [Recovery Program (138)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/recovery-program) - [AA meetings (102)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/aa-meetings) - [alcoholism (86)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/alcoholism) - [12 steps of aa (85)](https://blog.theretreat.org/topic/12-steps-of-aa) - 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(1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-d) - [Stephen Crane (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/stephen-crane) - [Paddy O (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/paddy-o) - [Connie Lawrence (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/connie-lawrence) - [Bob Bernu (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/bob-bernu) - [Lisa Speedling (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-speedling) - [Kevin J (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/kevin-j) - [Jake L (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jake-l) - [Women in Recovery (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/women-in-recovery) - [Judge Shaun Floerke (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/judge-shaun-floerke) - [Peter H (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/peter-h) - [Deb Wuebker (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/deb-wuebker) - [Jay R. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/jay-r) - [Cecil B (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/cecil-b) - [Lisa G. (1)](https://blog.theretreat.org/author/lisa-g) see all ### Recent Posts ### OUR MISSION Our mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. 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