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Maj Donovan

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

Open Meetings – A Great Way to Carry the Message

[fa icon="calendar'] Mar 8, 2023 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in alcohol addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism, AA meetings

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A remarkable effect can take place in an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting when an individual struggling with a drinking problem asks for help, and someone is there to share with them that AA may be a solution. For some AA members, their journey of sobriety began at “open” AA meetings, which can be attended by any member of the community, alcoholic or nonalcoholic. Open meetings have long been a vital source of information for anyone who wants to learn more about the AA Fellowship. 

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What is Cinderella Syndrome?

[fa icon="calendar'] Feb 15, 2023 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in alcohol addiction, 12 step program, alcohol abuse, Cinderella Syndrome

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Cinderella Syndrome goes by many names.  Some call it wishful thinking.  Some refer to it as wish fulfillment.  Still others refer to it as fantastical or magical thinking. The late, great psychologist Dr. Albert Ellis described it as an irrational thought characterized by the idea that “One must be quite dependent on others and need them...”   

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“Having Had a Spiritual Awakening”

[fa icon="calendar'] Jan 4, 2023 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 Steps, alcoholism, 12 step program, AA Big Book

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The 12th Step of Alcoholics Anonymous says, “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps…” So, what is this “spiritual awakening” and why is it so crucial to long-term recovery?

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Navigating the Holidays Happy, Joyous and Free

[fa icon="calendar'] Nov 30, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism, Recovery Program, Alcohol & Health, Treatment Program

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The holidays may be “the most wonderful time of the year”, but for those new in recovery they can be fraught with stress and worry. In this article we’ll talk about how a person in recovery can navigate the holidays season while remaining clean and sober, happy, joyous, and free.

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November is National Gratitude Month

[fa icon="calendar'] Nov 9, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 step program, Recovery Program, Alcohol & Health, Treatment Program

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Did you know that November is National Gratitude Month? We often hear within the rooms of recovery that it’s important to have an attitude of gratitude, but why all this emphasis on gratitude? Why is it so important to our mental, physical, and spiritual health?

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"Fall Back, But Don't Fall Back"

[fa icon="calendar'] Oct 5, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, AA Big Book, Recovery Program, Alcohol & Health, Treatment Program

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Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 2:00 A.M. On Saturday night, clocks are set back one hour (i.e., gaining one hour). This has come to be known as “Fall Back." This event has become part of the fall routine and one which sleep deprived individuals like this blogger look forward to very much.

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Preserving Our Unity

[fa icon="calendar'] Aug 31, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 Steps, Recovery Program, Alcohol & Health, Treatment Program

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In sobriety we build new connections to ourselves, our families, and our communities. In our meetings we embrace all who have “a desire to stop drinking” to our tables. Healthy groups lower barriers to sobriety by creating inclusive spaces and meetings. Healthy groups broaden their understanding of what recovery means for people with different experiences.

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Abandon Yourself to God

[fa icon="calendar'] Jul 21, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, AA Big Book, Alcohol & Health, Treatment Program, Gratitude

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What does it mean to abandon ourselves to God? On page 164 of the book Alcoholics Anonymous we find this explanation.

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Character Defects: (Steps Six and Seven)

[fa icon="calendar'] Jun 29, 2022 8:15:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, 12 Steps, AA meetings, AA Big Book, Alcohol & Health, Alcoholism Treatment Program

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Where Have All The Flowers Gone?

[fa icon="calendar'] May 18, 2022 8:00:00 AM / by Maj Donovan posted in Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism, AA meetings, 12 Traditions Of AA, Alcoholism Treatment Program

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There was a popular song in the 1960’s entitled “Where have all the flowers gone?” by Pete Seeger. The chorus went:

“Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the flowers gone?
Long time ago.”

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