"As we grow, we learn to overcome the tendency to run and hide from ourselves and our feelings."
Basic Text, p. 85
Rather than risk vulnerability, many of us have developed habits that keep others at a safe distance. These patterns of emotional isolation can give us the feeling we are hopelessly locked behind our masks. We used to take risks with our lives; now we can take risks with our feelings. Through sharing with other addicts, we learn that we are not unique; we do not make ourselves unduly vulnerable simply by letting others know who we are, for we are in good company. And by working the Twelve Steps of the NA program, we grow and change. We no longer want or need to hide our emerging selves. We are offered the opportunity to shed the emotional camouflage we developed to survive our active addiction.
By opening ourselves to others, we risk becoming vulnerable, but that risk is well worth the rewards. With the help of our sponsor and other recovering addicts, we learn how to express our feelings honestly and openly. In turn, we become nourished and encouraged by the unconditional love of our companions. As we practice spiritual principles, we find strength and freedom, both in ourselves and in those around us. We are set free to be ourselves and to enjoy the company of our fellow addicts.
Just for Today: I will openly and honestly share with another recovering addict. I will risk becoming vulnerable and celebrate my self and my friendship with other NA members. I will grow.
I feel vulnerable sometimes after sharing, either at a meeting or more often with another addict. I find that I don't censor myself like I used to. I don't tell myself "better not share THAT" It's liberating to have so many secrets or feel like I need to hide. I have never suffered any damage as a result of anything I have shared. Just the opposite, I gain insight into myself as I hear my words.
Beautiful, today's JFT is an amazing message, thanks for posting it.
I remember I held back many things, and these were exactly the kind of stuff that kept me trapped in using, that led me back and again to use again inspite of staying clean for a few months, many times in my early struggle in NA.
I did reach a point where I was so beaten, so much paining that I badly wanted this stuff of my chest, I was choking... That's when I opened up, and everything flowed out of me, the more I shared about it all, the more lighter I felt. I did get fearful thoughts at times that it could be used against me, that it could change my relationship with my Sponsor, with fellow members, with my counselor and so on... but I was paining so much and I had suffered so much that nothing seemed worse than what I was already into, so I just didn't care what others did with what I share with them. I wanted relief, I wanted to breath, I wanted this stuff to not force me back to using...
