Just Getting By (JGBA)
- pancakemarathon
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
12 steps
We admitted we don’t really care about this program but have to be here anyway.
Came to tolerate the idea that recovery might not be total BS—maybe.
Decided to just show up, even if we didn’t mean it.
Made a list of reasons why we think this is dumb—and then asked ourselves what we’re afraid of.
Shared this list with someone, even if just to vent.
Became willing to question the belief that all of this is fake.
Asked for help with whatever, even if we rolled our eyes.
Made a list of people who we might have pissed off—or been pissed off at.
Considered making things right, but more importantly, tried not to make things worse.
Kept showing up and being honest about how we really felt.
Started asking what we want out of life—if we even care.
Gave others the space to do the same, without pretending we’re perfect.
13th Step Safeguard
This program is a space for those who are unsure, resistant, or skeptical—but still trying. We do not exploit vulnerability or confusion. We do not prey on uncertainty. Respect each other’s journey, even if it doesn’t look like yours. Let skepticism be safe here.
12 Traditions
Our common bond is not believing in this stuff—but showing up anyway.
For now, the only requirement is attendance, not belief.
Each member has the right to their own skepticism.
The group doesn’t run on faith—it runs on honesty and sarcasm.
Our purpose is to stay out of trouble and maybe learn something by accident.
We don’t endorse anything, not even our own program.
We are self-sufficient through time served and mandatory meetings.
The group doesn't compete—there's nothing to sell.
Our leaders are just people who’ve been here a bit longer.
We avoid fights over who's right. Nobody really knows.
Our public image is irrelevant—we’re not here for PR.
Our principles are: Don’t pretend. Don’t preach. Be real.
12 Promises
You’ll learn how to survive boredom without losing your mind.
You’ll find people who feel the same way as you.
You’ll stop needing to prove anything to anyone.
You’ll begin to laugh at how weird life is.
You’ll understand that honesty doesn’t need belief.
You’ll make peace with being uncomfortable.
You might actually care about something again.
You’ll feel less fake over time.
You’ll realize that trying is more powerful than pretending.
You’ll still be you—but maybe a bit clearer.
You won’t have to hide how you really feel.
You’ll see that “just getting by” was actually showing up.
Slogans
“Whatever, I’m here.”
“Fake it ‘til you feel it.”
“You don’t have to believe it to benefit.”
“It’s fine to not care—just don’t lie about it.”
“One eye-roll at a time.”
Acronyms
JUST – Just Understand Something True BY – Be Yourself FAKE – Feeling Annoyed, Keeping Engaged HERE – Half-Effort Recovery Experiment
creation of
Jun 17, 2025
Build
a program for someone that doesn't like or think recovery 12-step programs are a real thing.
Why?
They only are doing it because they're in a halfway house or something in that means and they're just trying to get by.
Program Name:
Just Getting By Anonymous(JGBA)
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