Post by Caressa2 on May 24, 2004 1:40:23 GMT -5
"As we grow, we learn to overcome the tendency to run and hide from ourselves and our feelings."
Basic Text, p. 81
Rather than risk vulnerability, many of us have developed habits that keeps others at a safe distance. These patterns of emotional isolation can give us the feeling we are hopelessly locked behind our masks. We used to take risks with our lives; now we can take risks with our feelings. Through sharing with other addicts, we learn that we are not unique; we do not make ourselves unduly vulnerable simply by letting others know who we are, for we are in good company. And by working the Twelve Steps of the NA program, we grow and change. We no longer want or need to hide our emerging selves. We are offered the opportunity to shed the emotional camouflage we developed to survive addiction.
By opening ourselves to others, we risk becoming vulnerable but that risk is well worth the rewards. With the help of our sponsor and other recovering addicts, we learn how to express our feelins honstly and openly. In turn, we become nourished and encouraged by the unconditional love of our companions. As we practice spiritual principles, we find strength and freedom, both in ourselves and in those around us. We are set free to be ourselves and to enjoy the company of our fellow addicts.
Just for today: I will openly and honestly share with another recovering addict. I will risk becoming vulnerable and celebrate myself and my friendship wiith other NA members. I will grow.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
This was my biggest fear in recovery. Allowing myself to open up because of being hurt again, like I had so many times in the past. It wasn't until I came to a spiritual awareness that recovery was about me and change, that I realized I could set up boundaries, I could say no, but more importantly, be myself and not lie or look to please someone else for acceptance, because I found it within myself through my Higher Power. All those things that I had feared, I was able to let go of one by one, because I developed a faith in my Highr Power and my Higher Self and my ability to live in today and not act out in my old people-pleasing, self-defeating ways.
Basic Text, p. 81
Rather than risk vulnerability, many of us have developed habits that keeps others at a safe distance. These patterns of emotional isolation can give us the feeling we are hopelessly locked behind our masks. We used to take risks with our lives; now we can take risks with our feelings. Through sharing with other addicts, we learn that we are not unique; we do not make ourselves unduly vulnerable simply by letting others know who we are, for we are in good company. And by working the Twelve Steps of the NA program, we grow and change. We no longer want or need to hide our emerging selves. We are offered the opportunity to shed the emotional camouflage we developed to survive addiction.
By opening ourselves to others, we risk becoming vulnerable but that risk is well worth the rewards. With the help of our sponsor and other recovering addicts, we learn how to express our feelins honstly and openly. In turn, we become nourished and encouraged by the unconditional love of our companions. As we practice spiritual principles, we find strength and freedom, both in ourselves and in those around us. We are set free to be ourselves and to enjoy the company of our fellow addicts.
Just for today: I will openly and honestly share with another recovering addict. I will risk becoming vulnerable and celebrate myself and my friendship wiith other NA members. I will grow.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
This was my biggest fear in recovery. Allowing myself to open up because of being hurt again, like I had so many times in the past. It wasn't until I came to a spiritual awareness that recovery was about me and change, that I realized I could set up boundaries, I could say no, but more importantly, be myself and not lie or look to please someone else for acceptance, because I found it within myself through my Higher Power. All those things that I had feared, I was able to let go of one by one, because I developed a faith in my Highr Power and my Higher Self and my ability to live in today and not act out in my old people-pleasing, self-defeating ways.
. I will be back looking for Lin and others.