June 08, 2025
"Your potential for transformation is infinite."
Welcome to AndAmandaSaid.com!
Step inside and join me as I share my thoughts, experiences, and insights on navigating the complexities of life.
Here, you'll find a space for open conversation, where I delve into topics close to my heart – from personal growth and navigating challenging experiences like trauma and addiction, to exploring the beauty and humor that threads through our everyday moments. Consider this your invitation to connect, learn, and perhaps even find a bit of guidance or shared understanding.
I'm thrilled to have you here, and I hope you find something that resonates with you. Let's explore, learn, and maybe even share a laugh or two, together. Another key focus of AndAmandaSaid.com is fostering meaningful relationships in an increasingly disconnected world. Whether it's strengthening family bonds, deepening friendships, or building romantic connections, I reflect on the power of vulnerability, communication, and authenticity.
Together, we'll tackle the challenges of modern relationships and uncover ways to create deeper, more fulfilling connections with the people who matter most.
This picture of me to the right was myself 3 months clean in 2024. I will try to find a photo so you can see how my health was deteriorating and the progress I made in my health and hygiene, but also my heart and brain has transformed into such a happy person. I am back to being myself again. I can laugh and enjoy the simple things in life once again.
Welcome to and Amanda said!!
"Start your day with a coffee or tea, and meditate on a good read." - Amanda
I don't sell books but I did provide an Amazon link if you'd like to explore that option through an outside source.
OPENING UP TO CHANGE
June 08
Self-searching is the means by which we bring new vision, action, and grace to bear upon the dark and negative side of our natures. With it comes the development of that kind of humility that makes it possible for us to receive God's help. . . . we find that bit by bit we can discard the old life — the one that did not work — for a new life that can and does work under any conditions whatever.
AS BILL SEES IT, pp. 10, 8
I have been given a daily reprieve contingent upon my spiritual condition, provided I seek progress, not perfection. To become ready for change, I practice willingness, opening myself to possibilities of change. If I realize there are defects that hinder my usefulness in A.A. and toward others, I become ready by meditating and receiving direction. "Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely" ( Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 58). To let go and let God, I need only surrender my old ways to Him; I no longer fight nor do I try to control, but simply believe that, with God's help, I am changed and affirming this belief makes me ready. I empty myself to be full of awareness, light, and love, and I am ready to face each day with hope.
June 08, 2025
The only requirement
Page 166
"This program offers hope. All you have to bring with you is the desire to stop using and the willingness to try this new way of life."
IP No. 16, "For the Newcomer"
From time to time we wonder if we're "doing it right" in Narcotics Anonymous. Are we attending enough meetings? Are we using our sponsor, or working the steps, or speaking, or reading, or living the "right" way? We value the fellowship of recovering addicts--we don't know what we'd do without it. What if the way we're practicing our program is "wrong"? Does that make us "bad" NA members?
We can settle our insecurities by reviewing our Third tradition, which assures us that "the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using." There aren't any rules that say we've got to attend this many meetings or these particular meetings, or work the "steps" this way at this pace, or live our lives to suit these people in order to remain NA members in good standing.
It's true that, if we want the kind of recovery we see in members we respect, we'll want to practice the kind of program that's made their recovery possible. But NA is a fellowship of freedom; we work the program the best way for us, not for someone else. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using.
Just for Today: I will look at the program I'm working in light of my own recovery. I will practice that program to the best of my ability.
Copyright (c) 2007-2023, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Below are some of my favorite reads, I personally couldn't put them down.
The Community
My name is Amanda, in case the website name didn't already tell you that haha. I have been a part of my sober sisters and brothers for more than a year now. Throughout my time spent with my fellow crazy, fun-loving friends, I am so proud to say we are a community. We lift up each other when one is down and we are always a phone call away.
In the fabric of our lives, collective strength shines through when individuals choose to connect and offer steadfast support. It's the shared laughter that pushes back the shadows of doubt, the outstretched hands that break a fall, and the whispered encouragement that fuels a weary spirit.
People, in their beautiful diversity, possess an innate capacity to lift one another, to shoulder burdens together, and to illuminate paths that would otherwise remain shrouded in darkness. This unity, this act of lifting, isn't just a fleeting moment; it's a testament to the enduring power of human connection, a reminder that we are stronger together than we could ever be alone.
Help is available, NO SHAME!!
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Substance use support
In Crisis?
In times of increased stress and uncertainty, these resources can help provide much-needed support.
I need to talk to someone. Who can I call if I am going through a crisis?
You are not alone. Reach out to the following support hotlines for immediate help. If you have an emergency, please dial 911.
- Text HELLO to 741741 to speak with a compassionate, trained Crisis Counselor. Confidential support 24/7, for free.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
How can I get access to naloxone?
Most states make naloxone available for purchase in pharmacies without a prescription. Visit Safe Project to read your state's rules on naloxone. Below are a few resources on how to obtain free naloxone kits.
- Visit National Harm Reduction Coalition, a national nonprofit serving people who use drugs. They offer naloxone and syringe access, harm reduction trainings, and connections to local groups.
- Find Naloxone in your state with Recover Together with Google, an interactive tool with helpful addiction resources and naloxone locator.
- Next Distro is an organization focused in advocating for addiction health resources and naloxone distribution in the U.S. They provide free to low-cost Naloxone access all over the nation.
- Free Naloxone Kits in NYC: Obtain Naloxone (Narcan) from a New York City Opioid Overdose Prevention Community-Based Program (PDF).
- Get a FREE Emergency Overdose Rescue Kit from the NYC Emergency Overdose Rescue Kit Program (PDF)
Where can I do a substance test for nonprescribed fentanyl?
Due to individual state laws, rapid fentanyl test strips (FTS) are not widely available. Below are organizations that can assist you further.
- Visit Harmreduction.org, a coalition centered on science-based strategies with and for people who use drugs. Their website provides a breakdown on all you need to know about fentanyl.
- Get free fentanyl test strips from Fent Check, an organization solely focused on providing tests strips in the state of California.
- APLA Health is an organization seeking to bring equitable health care services to members of the LGBT community. They provide free fentanyl test kits in California. Visit https://aplahealth.org/fentanyl/ to learn how to receive yours.
Services, groups, meetings and more below!
Only you can decide whether you want to give A.A. a try. Admitting you might need help, or admitting that you’re an alcoholic, takes courage. Check for upcoming events!
The Narcotics Anonymous message is “that an addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use and find a new way to live.”
The activities here are incredible! I have done many myself!
Today, an A.A. presence can be found in approximately 180 nations worldwide, with membership estimated at over two million. There are more than 123,000 A.A. groups around the world and A.A.’s literature has been translated into over 100 languages.
A.A. is made up of alcoholics helping alcoholics recover.
Al-Anon Family Groups is another Twelve Step program of recovery. Their members are made up of people concerned with someone’s drinking problem.
In Al-Anon members have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have faced similar problems.
