The steps offer a big change from a life dominated by guilt and remorse. Our futures are changed because we dont have to avoid those who we have harmed. As a result... we receive a new freedom that can end isolation.
Basic Text, p. 39
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Many of us come to Narcotics Anonymous full of regrets about our past. Our steps help us begin to resolve those regrets. We examine our lives, admit our wrongs, make amends for them, and sincerely try to change our behavior. In doing so, we find a joyous sense of freedom.
No longer must we deny or regret our past. Once weve made our amends, whats done is truly over and gone. From that point on, where we come from ceases to be the most important thing about us. Its where we are going that counts.
In NA, we begin to look forward. True, we live and stay clean just for today. But we find that we can begin to set goals, dream dreams, and look ahead to the joys a life in recovery has to offer. Looking forward keeps us centered in where we are going, not remorseful or regretful about our past. After all, it is hard to move forward if we are looking back.
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Just for today: The steps have freed me from regrets over my past. Today, I look forward to my new life in recovery.
I don't dwell on the past but I also don't ignore it. The past is part of who I am today. What is important is that I don't let the past prevent me from staying clean, doing HP's will, or enjoying life.
My name is Munish, and I was addicted to Brown Sugar, Charas, afeem, Pills, cough Syrup etc. I was sent to NA Rehabilitation Centre in Aug 2007, where i spent 2-months. After coming back i remained clean for 1 month more and i was relapsed after 3-months with one of my fellow friends when we were going to attend NA meeting. Now till date thoufh i have not taken Brown Sugar but still for sometime i take cough syrup and after few days i change and take pills and after few days charas and the circle is going on and for my wife i am not addicted to one thing, but deep in my heart i know that i am ruining my life. I am still addicted to cough Syrups and using but I want to stop. It is ruining my life and I need help. If there is anyone out there with some advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Great Post!! I really needed to read that also. I do believe that letting go of the past allows us to move forward. On my fourth fourth step my sponsor kindly told me I needed to focus on the future. As that was many years ago I find myself needing to take the suggestion one more time.. Thanks again
