"We don't have to be clean when we get here but, after the first meeting, we suggest that newcomers keep coming back and come back clean. We don't have to wait for an overdose or jail sentence to get help from Narcotics Anonymous."
Basic Text, pp. 10-11
Very few of us arrive in NA brimming with willingness. Some of us are here because we are court-ordered to attend. Some have come to save our families. Some come in an effort to salvage a career teetering on the brink of ruin. It doesn't matter why we are here. It only matters that we are.
We have heard it said that "if we bring the body, the mind will follow." We may come to meetings with a chip on our shoulders. We may be one of those who sites in the back of the rooms with our arms folded across our chest, glaring threateningly at anyone who approaches us. Perhaps we leave before the final prayer.
But if we keep coming back, we find that our minds begin to open up. We start to drop our guards, and begin to really listen when others share. We may even hear someone talking with whom we can relate. We begin the process of change.
After some time in NA, we find that more than our minds have arrived in our meeting rooms. More importantly, our hearts have arrived, too. After that happens, the miracles really begin!
Just for Today: I will strive to listen with an open mind to what I hear shared.
It was only when i finally let my mind open to the radically new (for me) things I heard at NA meetings that my recovery began. It's still a struggle for a "know it all" like me, to consider that I can be taught something new.
Yes for me also ,after so many years of freedom from active addiction but devastated with shortcomings and character defects in abstinence it was once again time for "life lessons' and an oppotunity to listen and really learn the truth about myself ,I suffer from a physical,spiritual and mental disease that manifests itself in 'ALL' areas of my life.I do keep coming back,because 'one day at a time" I know that the solution to my disease is in the fellowship of NA and my working of the spiritual principles , the steps with my sponsor,that, with the God of my understanding guiding the process on top, has shown me a "new way to live.I am so greatful!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
This is what our topic was tonight was about Faith and Commitment and acceptance. I was explaining that in my recovery, like true, work hard, take suggestion, have a sponsor and a home group volunteer as secretary of our group. But I am almost 2 years clean and my first year and some odd months never thought I had rosey glasses. I thought I fixed myself. I took all the suggestions I wanted and did some maneuvering to get clean without my husband even know I relapsed. I did good and now I was on the right track and feeling great. Than BAM there goes that wall and honestly, I don't know how to bring it back down again and build my next miracle step God has in store for me and how long do you wait?
Thanks for reading this and any feedback would be receptive.
Hi Maryjane and welcome. Most of start by going to meetings. Step one is to admit that we are powerless over our addiction. that means admitting that we cannot do this on our own. we need help and we find that help in the fellowship at meetings. Finding a sponsor is often the next thing we do. Following his/her suggestions puts us on the right track. Many feel that the recovery journey never ends, that it is a way of life. But pretty much all agree that it starts with meeting attendance. Even if your not clean yet. Go to meetings and share your pain. Keep going and asking for help. It's pretty amazing how people in the fellowship respond. Prayers for your recovery, and keep coming back
