Hi Readers: Below is a what someone from Sweden shared with me on the following: Topic for discussion: "We learned", Chapter 3, Basic Text p. 16, 5th Ed.
We discover new opportunities. We find a sense of self-worth. We learn self-respect. This is a program for doing just those things. By working the steps, we come to accept a Higher Power's will; this acceptance leads us to recovery. We lose our fear of the unknown. We are set free.
Hi, my name is Sherry and I am a grateful recovering addict today. I first want to start off by thanking my Higher Power and the Narcotics Anonymous program
for another day clean. I want to welcome all the newcomers to the fellowship, tell those who are struggling today that life does get better, not perfect, but better,
one day at a time. To those celebrating anniverseries/birthdays this week, congratulations. You are all miracles.
We learned is our topic this week. I could probably write a book on what I have learned since coming into this fellowship. I could probably write another one on
just what I have learned since I surrendered to the program. To me these are two very different things. When I came into the fellowship, I wasn't all that sure
about this recovery thing. I was certain that those I saw in the rooms all had to be on something. See I could grasp not using narcotics, however not to drink.
Are you kidding me? I struggled for the first 4 months I came to the rooms. The longest stretch I got clean at that time was 53 days. You see I still wanted to
things my way. I didn't want to spend all my time in meetings, I didn't want to trust another human being with my deepest darkest thoughts, let alone another woman.
So away I went doing things my way and well my way got me 53 days clean.
Finally, I reached a new bottom. A bottom where I knew I didn't want to go any further. I was willing to take the suggestions, so I went to 90 meetings in 90 days,
for me this meant taking time off work at lunch time and losing an hours pay each and every day for those 90 days. I got a sponsor, I read the basic text, I got phone
numbers, I got involved in service and I started to work my steps, to the best of my ability, I practiced abstinenace and most of all I kept coming back. Wouldn't you
know it, I have never had to use since.
As I said earlier, since coming into the program and since surrendering to this program I have learned so much. I continue to learn. The biggest thing I learned
has been the suggestions for recovery are like jumping out of an airplane. You don't have to take the suggestions, just like you don't have to pull the rip cord,
but if you want to live then you need to. I learned that we call them suggestions not rules because addicts generally do not like being told what to do and when we
are, we tend to do the opposite. At least that is my experience.
Next thing I have learned is to listen to others experience, strength and hope with an open mind and an open heart because my experience with managing my
life has gotten me an expensive chair in Narcotics Anonymous. So by listening to others experience, strength and hope I might hear something that will make my
battle today with my disease of addiction, just a little bit easier. I might hear something that will help me with my recovery process just a little bit easier.
I have also learned to listen to the message, not the messanger. To me this means to listen to what is being shared with that open mind and open heart, not to
discard something is saying just because I don't like them. Some of the best messages I have heard have come from those who aren't my most favorite people.
I have learned to love unconditionally. I can have empathy and compassion for my fellow man, whether they are in recovery or not. With that unconditional love I am
able to offer a helping hand, ear, shoulder ect, without being taken advantage of. Unconditional love means that when the still suffering addict calls me, I can go for
coffee, listen to them on the phone, hang out with them, however I do not have to give them money, a place to stay or even allow them in my house. Helping out
another addict is great, however I have learned that I need to protect myself and to unconditionally love myself.
I have learned to be of service. Helping out where ever possible, without asking what is in it for me. I give of my time freely to both those inside the fellowship
and outside. Recovery has taught me so much, that I will forever be grateful. The best thing I have learned and continue to learn is to have self-acceptance,
self-respect and self-esteem. It isn't where I want it to be, however it is way better than what is was before coming into recovery. Thanks for letting me share my
experience, strength and hope.
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