Mateship
- 12 minutes ago
- 6 min read
September 2026
"Then came the message of hope: There was a group of people who shared this disease and followed a Twelve-Step Program in loving fellowship with complete reliance on a Higher Power."
-Mary's Story, ABA Book, pg. 2407
Our newsletter team is delighted to celebrate ABA’s first-ever retreat in the UK this month! While preparing this September issue, we explored British terms and discovered the word “Mateship.” What a fitting theme for us—without the fellowship of our members, our mates, where would we be?
Adrift!
A voyage is a fitting image for our ABA journey. Safe passage depends on many spiritual principles, just as a seaworthy vessel requires many capable hands.
We need guidance to steer us in the right direction.
We need to take inventory so we have the provisions we need.
We need committed mates on board, each willing to do their part.
We need financial support and generous service to help ensure safe passage.
What happens when our mates are not beside us? We risk drifting toward disaster, because the persistent and hopeless thought of most of us is that we
can manage alone. How freeing it is to be released from isolation and active addiction.
After the shipwreck of our disease, we cannot thrive alone. We need our mates and our Higher Power to walk with us—as our compass, nautical guide, and maritime pilot.
We have traveled an incredible itinerary, moving from despair to hope. We honor the courage of our members who embark on this often difficult, even treacherous journey toward recovery. Let’s celebrate our brothers and sisters who are making the effort to gather together, and let’s thank everyone who helped make this retreat possible.
We are truly fortunate to carry this freedom and joy beyond the moment of rescue. Blessings to all our mates!
-AABB pg. 17
Personal Reflection: Discovering my First-Mate Within
When the topic of Mateship was chosen, I thought of the synchronicities of “all hands on deck” over the years throughout my water adventures. For me, Mateship encompasses fellowship, Godde, and my participation in this beautiful program.
Annually, I head to a friend's cottage, where I canoe, one of my all-time favourite activities. At first, it was challenging with my dear friend, as we had to learn how to navigate together. We had several challenging conversations that led us to discover how best to support our passage.
After 5 years, we are comfortable with our team effort: her steering and my bow paddling. We communicate when one of us needs a break and continue to ensure safe passage throughout our journey. I find the whole experience, and especially the slow pace, incredibly serene. This speaks to the importance of working with others in all areas of my life to support the common welfare.
I am doubly blessed to have the opportunity to go boating with my family. What a different grand expedition this is! We play music as we cruise on their pontoon boat, and I dance on the deck while soaking in the sun and playing with their dog. I'm not the captain of the ship, and I can serve by organizing and gathering the provisions. This reminds me how humble service keeps ABA and me afloat!
I have attempted other boating experiences on a Seadoo; although fun, it left me feeling jarred. My family seemed disappointed that I didn't enjoy the activity, and yet being honest is essential for even keel. Another time I was tubing, being pulled by a fast-moving boat. The tube flipped over, and I wasn't able to let go of the handle while bouncing underneath the water.
Being immersed underwater where it was difficult to breathe was a frightening experience. I ended up feeling quite ill and went to bed very early that night to recalibrate. Thankfully, the next morning I woke up rested and well. Again, the experience reinforced the importance of learning to decline what is not aligned, as I need to be my own "first mate" in this life. Our program teaches me that to continue to live and be well, I need to listen and follow the intuitive guidance from within.
My latest excursion was a maiden voyage in the form of kayaking. This was a solo adventure, so I was a wee bit nervous choosing the right vessel. Unexpected support arrived when a woman on the dock offered me sage advice and helped me launch! I was awkward at first, but eventually I got the hang of it. When I was off course, I asked someone sitting on their dock for directions. Eventually, I made it all the way to the waterfalls and was so exhilarated from attempting a new water sport. I am not naturally athletic, so making this recommended destination was quite a celebration. I am grateful to know that in program and in my life I am never alone and remain open to Godde's support, which comes in many forms.
All this to say the Ruler of the Deep, an ancient mariner’s term for Godde, was with me through every experience. Godde asks me to paddle daily, with the Third Step as my compass. Working multiple programs is a cumshaw (slang for gift), which provides me with an amazing support that I pivot daily. I'm humbled by the love that I've received from my mates and am so deeply touched by others' genuine care. As I live out Steps 10, 11, and 12, this voyage of discovery transforms into the voyage of recovery!
-Jessa, Canada
Questions for thought...
What has been your experience of mate-ship in ABA?
Do you see it as vital to your recovery? If so, how/why?
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A Message from our GSR- Join us this Saturday
Hello, hello—
I’m writing as a GSR (Group Service Representative) to share an update on what is happening at the fellowship-wide GSR level.
I represent my home group, ABA’s 11th Step Morning USA group.
Group representatives from ABA meetings gather on Zoom to discuss what is happening in our home groups and at the GSA in Canada.
These meetings help us share the state of ABA as experienced across our groups and hear news from the GSA Office.
GSRs have been meeting regularly this year in response to concerns from Canada and the ABA Board of Directors that information from the wider fellowship has not been flowing clearly to ABA Central.
Another important issue is that 7th Tradition contributions have not been arriving at the Office in sufficient amounts.
To support connection and communication, the GSRs have been planning and hosting Community Conversation Zoom meetings for all ABA members.
These fellowship-wide gatherings offer space to discuss our current experiences in ABA and hear updates from ABA Board.
Please mark your calendars: the next Community Conversation will be Saturday, September 5, at noon Eastern / 5 p.m. UK time.
Zoom: 899-558-65707
PW: serve2020
Don’t miss it!
We hope you’ll join us for this important opportunity to connect and be heard.
ABA 2026 Retreat
Join Your Mates this Month
The first ever ABA UK Retreat is happening this month – and there’s still time to join us (if you are reading this before Sept. 5th)!
If you’ve been thinking about coming, this is your last chance to be part of what promises to be a really special weekend of recovery, connection, reflection and fun.
There are still a variety of ticket options available, including single rooms, shared rooms and day passes for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so you can choose what works best for you. We also have one remaining subsidy available for anyone who may need some extra support to attend.
We’ve attached the retreat schedule below so you can get a taste of what the weekend has in store.
All meals and snacks are included in your ticket, and meal support will be available for anyone who requires it.
Registration closes September 5th, so if you’ve been on the fence, we’d love you to take the leap and join us.
Come and be part of the very first ABA UK Retreat – we can’t wait to welcome you!
We look forward to seeing you there soon.
In fellowship,
The 2026 ABA Retreat Committe
Retreat Schedule
Upcoming Events
Retreat this month!
...your last chance to register (before Sept. 5th)
Upcoming Meetings
GSR Community Conversation Meeting
September 5th, 2026 @ Noon pm EDT
Zoom: 899-558-65707
PW: serve2020
GSR Meeting
September 19th, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT
Zoom: 883-1435-6561
PW: surrender
Birthday Celebrations
Carmel - Seattle, USA
17 years
on August 9th
Mikey - USA
9 years
on August 15th
Sponsorship
Are you interested in being of service? We would love to have your information added to our corner!
Torrey
Toronto, Canada (EST)
WhatsApp.
+1 647 403-6793
Molly
Idaho, USA (PST)
WhatsApp. or Signal
+1 208-699-3632
Mate up with us!
We appreciate your questions, concerns, and ideas to help the newsletter best carry out our 5th and 7th traditions! Contact jessaatheart@gmail.com.
From page 145 of our ABA Book:
5th Tradition:
"Each group has but one primary purpose- to carry its message to the anorexic or bulimic who still suffers."
7th Tradition:
"Every ABA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions."
