Just For Today | June 23 | Surrender

“We didn’t stumble into this fellowship brimming with love, honesty, open-mindedness, or willingness…. When we were beaten, we became willing.”
Basic Text, page 20

The Necessity of Surrender

Surrender may be the necessary foundation for recovery, but sometimes we fight it. Most of us look back after some clean time and wonder why on earth we fought so hard to deny our powerlessness when surrender is what finally saved our lives. This resistance is common and often stems from our desire to maintain control over our lives, even when that control is an illusion.

In the throes of addiction, the idea of surrender can seem like admitting defeat. However, true surrender is not about giving up—it’s about acknowledging our limitations and accepting help. This acceptance is a crucial step towards recovery and personal growth.

The Pain of Resistance

Most of the pain we experience comes from fighting, not surrendering. In fact, when we surrender, the pain ends and hope takes its place. We begin to believe that all will be well and, after some time, realize that our lives are much better as a result. We feel the same way we did when we gave up the illusion that we could control our using—relieved, free, and filled with fresh hope.

The Consequences of Resistance:

1. Emotional turmoil: Fighting against reality often leads to frustration and despair.
2. Isolation: Resistance can isolate us from others who are willing to help.
3. Stalled progress: Refusing to surrender can prevent us from moving forward in our recovery.

Embracing New Opportunities to Surrender

As we recover, new opportunities to surrender present themselves. We can either struggle with everyone and everything we encounter or we can recall the benefits of our first surrender and stop fighting. Each surrender brings us closer to a state of peace and acceptance.

Signs It’s Time to Surrender:

• Persistent stress: When a situation causes ongoing stress, it might be time to let go.
• Feeling stuck: If progress seems impossible, surrendering control can open new paths.
• Continuous conflict: Constant arguments and disagreements are often a sign of needing to surrender.

The Relief of Surrender

Surrender brings relief and opens the door to new possibilities. It allows us to let go of the need to control every aspect of our lives and trust in the process of recovery. This trust fosters a sense of hope and freedom, much like what we felt when we first accepted our powerlessness over addiction.

Benefits of Surrender:

• Inner peace: Letting go of control reduces stress and anxiety.
• Renewed hope: Surrendering opens us to the belief that positive change is possible.
• Connection with others: It allows us to accept help and support from our community.

Just for Today

“Just for today: Is there a surrender I need to make today? I will remember my first surrender and remind myself that I don’t need to fight anymore.”

This daily meditation encourages us to reflect on areas in our lives where we might be resisting surrender. By recalling the peace and hope that our initial surrender brought, we can find the strength to let go once again.

Actionable Steps

To practice surrender in your daily life, consider the following steps:

1. Identify areas of resistance: Reflect on aspects of your life where you feel persistent stress or conflict.
2. Accept your limitations: Acknowledge that you cannot control everything and that it’s okay to ask for help.
3. Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, sponsor, or support group about your struggles and your decision to surrender.

By incorporating these practices, you can embrace the power of surrender and continue to grow in your recovery journey.