In our recovery, we find it essential to accept reality. Once we can do this, we do not find it necessary to use drugs in an attempt to change our perceptions.
Basic Text, p. 90
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Drugs used to buffer us from the full force of life. When we stop using drugs and enter recovery, we find ourselves confronted directly with life. We may experience disappointment, frustration, or anger. Events may not happen the way we want them to. The self-centeredness we cultivated in our addiction has distorted our perceptions of life; it is difficult to let go of our expectations and accept life as it is.
We learn to accept our lives by working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. We discover how to change our attitudes and let go of character defects. We no longer need to distort the truth or to run from situations. The more we practice the spiritual principles contained in the steps, the easier it becomes to accept life exactly as it comes to us.
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Just for today: I will practice self-acceptance by practicing the Twelve Steps.
Its actually possible to do more than accept what seems bad at first. We can even strive to see a greater plan, a silver lining, and great beauty in the seemingly tragic. This is what I think of as unconditional love applied in all areas of life. It first takes acceptance and then it goes even further!
