We learn to experience feelings and realize they can do us no harm unless we act on them.
IP No. 16, For the Newcomer
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Many of us came to Narcotics Anonymous with something less than an overwhelming desire to stop using. Sure, the drugs were causing us problems, and we wanted to be rid of the problems, but we didnt want to stop getting high. Eventually, though, we saw that we couldnt have one without the other. Even though we really wanted to get loaded, we didnt use; we werent willing to pay the price anymore. The longer we stayed clean and worked the program, the more freedom we experienced. Sooner or later, the compulsion to use was lifted from us completely, and we stayed clean because we wanted to live clean.
The same principles apply to other negative impulses that may plague us. We may feel like doing something destructive, just because we want to. Weve done it before, and sometimes we think weve gotten away with it, but sometimes we havent. If were not willing to pay the price for acting on such feelings, we dont have to act on them.
It may be hard, maybe even as hard as it was to stay clean in the beginning. But others have felt the same way and have found the freedom not to act on their negative impulses. By sharing about it and seeking the help of other recovering people and a Power greater than ourselves, we can find the direction, the support, and the strength we need to abstain from any destructive compulsion.
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Just for today: Its okay to feel my feelings. With the help of my sponsor, my NA friends, and my Higher Power, I am free not to act out my negative feelings.
Yeah, i don't know what any of this stuff means anymore, i just know that i don't want to use today and that is a great freedom. I am getting tired of having to "work with my feelings all the time and my thinking".....I wish i could just think and feel like certain ways and deal with them in certain ways. I don't like that I don't deal with my feelings, i am so oppressed because im oppressing myself. I hate my situation and it really aint even that bad, its just boring me, im over it. I have a kid. I just want friends. PMS! I need some solutions, Im trying to get my step work done. I would go to a meeting everyday i think if i could. I want what this program has to offer and i get it but i don't get it without the help of other people. I think that Tom is my enemy, my downfall........i don't think he is good for me......
