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October 04, 2026 |
Thirty-day wonder |
| Page 290 |
| "When we first begin to enjoy relief from our addiction, we run the risk of assuming control of our lives again. We forget the agony and pain that we have known." |
| Basic Text, p. 50 |
| Many of us have been "thirty-day wonders." We were desperate and dying when we showed up at our first NA meeting. We identified with the addicts we met there and the message they shared. With their support, we were finally able to stop using and catch a free breath. For the first time in a long, long time, we felt at home. Overnight, our lives were transformed; we walked, talked, ate, drank, slept, and dreamed Narcotics Anonymous. Then, Narcotics Anonymous lost its novelty. Meetings that had been a thrill became monotonous. Our wonderful NA friends became bores; their uplifting NA talk, drivel. When our former friends called, inviting us back for some of the old fun, we kissed our recovery goodbye. Sooner or later, we made our way back to the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous. Nothing had changed out there, we'd discovered--not us, not our friends, not the drugs, not anything. If anything, it had gotten worse than ever. True, NA meetings may not be a laugh riot, and our NA friends may not be spiritual giants. But there's a power in the meetings, a common bond among the members, a life to the program that we can't do without. Today, our recovery is more than just a fad--it's a way of life. We're going to practice living our program like our lives depend on it, because they do. |
| Just for Today: I'm no "thirty-day wonder." The NA way is my way of life, and I'm here for the duration. |
| Copyright (c) 2007-2026, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved |
October 03, 2026 |
Surrendering to Group Conscience |
| Page 286 |
| "How do you know when it's time to speak up against a decision of the majority? When it's time to accept a decision and surrender to group conscience?" |
| Twelve Concepts for NA Service, Study Materials, "Ninth Concept" |
| Once a group or service body makes a decision, we are all supposed to go with the flow, right? But what if the decision goes against our gut, isn't in harmony with the Traditions, lacks compassion by excluding some members, or puts a Band-Aid on a larger issue? Maybe the decision wasn't made with all pertinent information available. Was it truly an informed group conscience, or was it more like a popularity contest? What if we know for sure that the content of the decision has been tried before and it failed miserably? What if the group is wrong and we are right? We have a process, and once that process is complete, to thwart group conscience creates disunity and confusion. Members then have to take sides, or not. Some leave the group or resign from their position instead, telling us "personal recovery depends on NA unity" on the way out. The Ninth Concept of NA Service is clear that hearing all points of view is essential to developing a group conscience. But it's up to us as members to determine which perspectives have the most validity. The time to accept and surrender to a decision occurs immediately after our point of view has been heard, and the group elects to stay the course--despite what our gut is telling us. If we are right and things fall apart later, we can be part of the solution--with humility. Even as we are reminded time and time again that we're not always right, we must also accept that others are sometimes wrong and there isn't anything we can do about it. |
| Today I will participate in NA service with as much surrender and acceptance as possible. If need be, I will say to my group, "Well, I hope I'm wrong!" and do my best to mean it. |
| Copyright (c) 2007-2026, NA World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved |
