"On a practical level, changes occur because what's appropriate to one phase of recovery may not be for another."
Basic Text, p. 105
When we first came to Narcotics Anonymous, many of us had no legitimate occupation. Not all of us suddenly decide we're going to become honest and productive model citizens the moment we arrive in NA. But we soon find, in recovery, that we are not so comfortable doing many of the things we once did without a second thought when we were using.
As we grow in our recovery, we begin to be honest in matters that probably hadn't bothered us when we used. We start returning extra change a cashier may have given us by mistake, or admitting when we hit a parked car We find that if we can begin to be honest in these small ways the bigger tests of our honesty become much easier to handle.
Many of us came here with very little capacity to be honest. But we find that as we work the Twelve Steps, our lives begin to change. We are no longer comfortable when we benefit at the expense of others. And we can feel good about our newfound honesty.
Just for Today: I will examine the level of honesty in my life and see if I'm comfortable with it.
funny how this came up today. I had a job that I voluntarily left last year. I think that with a little deceit and manipulation I could have collected unemployment. Every time I hear about yet another extension to unemployment benefits I kick myself in the head for not going for it. Odd that a year ago, I did the right thing, but that part of me that likes to 'get over' and 'pull a fast one' won't let it go. Any suggestions?
Hey Don! funny I had posted before you put this up there,coincidence huh! (not!)I think the key words you used were "deceit and manipulation"Now I believe they are not part of your spiritual principles this day?God will provide what you may have missed from them benefits but your spiritual wealth will also be increased manyfold..I would admit I still got "some of these things " going on in me but be thankful some of your decision making is getting more in tune with your HP.... 2 cents from the peanut gallery!!!!Have a blessed day!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
