The Key to Being how We are Meant to Be, i.e., “Happy, Joyous and Free” – Step 1

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“And in the sweet-
ness of friendship let
there be laughter and the
sharing of pleasures. For in
the dew of little things the
heart finds its morning
and is refreshed.”

– Khalil Gibran (1883 – 1931) Lebanese-American, world-renown poet

– Sign up to Zonr for Today’s Full SFZ

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When have you experienced the sensation of being “happy, joyous, and free”, lately?

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A Tribute to Khalil Gibran (10:36)

Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars cover by Sam Tsui)

Mr. Bean Goes to the Swimming Pool (5:06)

Awakening Love, Inspiration & Happiness Meditation (7:39)

An Analysis on: The Key to Being how We are Meant to Be, i.e., “Happy, Joyous and Free”

The concept of being “happy, joyous, and free” in today’s SFZ emerges as both a goal and a birthright in recovery literature. In Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), this state reflects a deep spiritual transformation. Bill W. and Dr. Bob assert that true joy comes not in spite of past pain, but through it. Laughter, then, is not escapism—it’s healing. Viktor Frankl, in Man’s Search for Meaning, also observed that humor, even in suffering, could lift the human spirit and affirm our dignity. When AA says, “We are sure God wants us to be happy, joyous, and free,” it echoes Frankl’s idea that attitude shapes experience more than circumstance.

Khalil Gibran furthers this in his poetic reflections on friendship and joy. He sees laughter and shared pleasures as spiritual nourishment. These “dew of little things” bring renewal, suggesting that everyday joy is sacred. Psychologist Carl Rogers supports this idea. In his person-centered theory, genuine happiness stems from congruence—being aligned with one’s true self. Rogers believed that self-acceptance and authentic connection are the root of emotional freedom.

Group support, as described in Overeaters Anonymous, often becomes the Higher Power. This aligns with Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability. In The Gifts of Imperfection, she shows that connection and shared struggle foster healing. Laughter within recovery groups doesn’t deny pain—it transforms it.

Thus, happiness is not a luxury or reward. It is a signpost that we are becoming who we were always meant to be: free, open-hearted, and fully alive.

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Comments

10 responses to “The Key to Being how We are Meant to Be, i.e., “Happy, Joyous and Free” – Step 1”

May 14, 2025

Eli

I don’t think that the happiness, joy, and freedom in the promises must be taken as ‘always’ statements. In our addictions, we can lose connection to ‘All things worthwhile’.
The 12-step program doesn’t promise financial security, but freedom from fear of it. Similarly, the promises outline that we will know happiness, joy, and freedom- not have it all the time.

Reply
May 3, 2025

Elexi W.S.A.

I like the child on the front of the topic, because it reminds me of when bad substances weren’t in my life, and I felt free from any of that. I think I need to remember those times as a child being free from harmful substance, and know my life can still be joyous without any substances that could be potentially harmful.

Reply
April 30, 2025

Zen

I feel happy joyous and free when I wake up without cravings or the urge to turn to a substance to change my state of mind. I feel at peace with myself and ready to face the day with a positive attitude.

Reply
April 30, 2025

Sabrina J

Yesterday while spending the day with a loved one.

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April 30, 2013

Jon G

I experienced the sensation of being happy joyous and free lately when I left the hearing office of the Disability Judge who ruled in my favor in a disability case I have been fighting for 22 months. I prayed before the hearing and I testified honestly and competently and when the Judge ruled in my favor I experienced a tremendous amount of relief and joy as I walked out of the building and drove home.

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April 29, 2013

Margot E.

I have got to give this ¨surrender¨ a try. Maybe if I learn to surrender (abandon myself) to my Higher Power I will not end up trying to control outcomes over which I have no power…and no wisdom. Every day is a new adventure in letting go and letting God. One day at a time, and learning to use the slogans to get where I need to go. My Higher Power can – I think I will allow my Higher Power to work with no further interference from me. Namaste.

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April 29, 2013

Br. Buddha

Good morning everyone + welcome to another day of life. Ask yourself, Are you ready to experience the joy of living a Spiritual life, centered on LOVE. Awaken to your dreams, your goals. Join us + together, we will walk the path of Peace and Love and Inclusion. Blessings. BB

Reply
July 30, 2012

Adam

The other night at the Hollywood Bowl I looked up at the sky and saw a shooting star and a satellite. And the show was wonderfully funny and musical. The moment was magical because I knew for the first time in a long time that everything is going to be just fine and just the way it was meant to be. I felt this way because of the beauty of the moment and knowing that I’m doing the things I need to do to set my life on a path for success.

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April 29, 2012

JB jr.

I felt very happy, joyous and free after being of service all day to day. It took some prep and staying up late to deliver what I said I would. But I did and as drove home today that sensation of being really satisfied, useful and appreciated caused me to feel super elated on the drive home.

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April 29, 2012

Margot E.

“Just go to a meeting.” that is the advice, the counsel, the wisdom of those in 12-Step programs. That fellowship is so powerful; I still do not get how simply putting my butt in a seat at a meeting makes such a difference in my life. The “Shares” are better than shares in the stock market – they are priceless. And into that sacred space, someone will speak directly to me; and when I share I may touch another. We are first, last and always, the perfect people in the perfect place for the perfect reason. There are no accidents in the multiverse.

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