We apply effort to our most obvious problems and let go of the rest. We do the job at hand and, as we progress, new opportunities for improvement present themselves.
Basic Text, p. 56
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Its been said that recovery is simpleall weve got to change is everything! That can seem a pretty tall order, especially when we first arrive in Narcotics Anonymous. After all, not many of us showed up at our first meeting because our lives were in great shape. On the contrary, a great many of us came to NA in the midst of the worst crises of our lives. We needed recovery, and quick!
The enormity of the change required in our lives can be paralyzing. We know we cant take care of all that needs to be done, not all at once. How do we start? Chances are, weve already started. Weve done the first, most obvious things that needed to be done: Weve stopped using drugs, and weve started going to meetings.
What do we do next? Pretty much the same thing, just more of it: From where we are, we do what we can. We walk the path of recovery by picking up our feet and taking the step thats right in front of us. Only when thats been accomplished must we concern ourselves with what comes next. Slowly but surely, well find ourselves making progress down the path, visibly drawing closer each day to becoming the kind of person wed like to be.
Literature tells us"We can never fully recover,no matter how long we stay clean.Complacency is the enemy!!!! I continue to do the work to reap the harvest!!Just for Today ,I will be unafraid.,my thoughts will be on my new associations,people who are not using and have found a new way of life.So long as I follow that way I(we) have nothing to fear........progress not perfection keeps me moving forward..........
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
I agree with both of ya'll. I think I have to keep recovery from active addiction first in my life. But lately I have been in some real pain because there are some things that have absolutley nothing to do with using dope, but everything to do with using people. Once I start down that path, don't let go of the manipulative behaviors, I'm walking up the steps of the dope house.
I may not have opened the door yet but eventually, using people, places, and things to change the way I feel will not be enough to comfort that self-loathing that those actions spark. The feelings that led me to get high to forget about them and the pain and dispair that drove me here is still waiting in the form of my disease.
Way to go ,Joe,having the ability to see yourself coming.Keep sharing it,bringing it into the light.This disease no doubt manifests itself in all areas of our lives...In support here brother!!!
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
I believe key word here is "apply". This tells me an action is needed. without the action we do become complacent. Joe, talking is an action which is so important with us. Through the action of talking about what is going on with us, it allows others to help, AND it can allow others to check themselves.
