"Reaching out is the beginning of the struggle that will set us free. It will break down the walls that imprison us."
Basic Text, p. 83
Many of us came to NA emotionally shattered. Years of using people and allowing them to use us had taken their toll on our ability to trust anyone, ourselves included. But the love and acceptance we found in Narcotics Anonymous encouraged us to reach out and get close to others.
The longer we stayed clean, the more we began to long for greater intimacy with our loved ones. We began reaching out in deeper, more meaningful ways, even though we might get hurt. Despite our fears of rejection, we decided to risk revealing ourselves, our beliefs, and our needs. We decided to let down our defensive walls.
The freedom we've found has been worth the risk involved. We know there is still work to do before we will be completely free of the barriers built by years of active addiction. But by reaching out to other addicts and allowing them to reach out to us, despite our human failings, we have come to know that we have a great capacity for love and intimacy. When set free of their restraining walls, our hearts hold great power.
Just for Today: I will let down my personal walls and reach out to others. I will allow my heart the freedom to love and be loved.
I still put up a false front, either to impress people or turn them away. I do it without thought. It's just so natural and easy for me that I often never see that I'm doing it, or at best, well after the fact. I really like the line in this mornings reading "When set free of their restraining walls, our hearts hold great power." Knocking down those restraining walls is some job.
Morning Don! Kind of reminds me of pg 43 of the 'agreements", wherever you go you will find people lying to you and as your awareness grows you will notice youalso lie to yourself.Do not expect people to tell you the truth cause they lie to themselves.Even if others lie to you its okay.They are lying because they are afraid you will discover that they are not perfect..(my social masks got to go,;the "WHO" said it really well 'CAN YOU SEE THE REAL ME,CAN YA ,CAN YA!!!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
