“We were trapped by our need for the instant gratification that drugs gave us.”
—Basic Text, pages 24-25
“I want what I want, and I want it now!” This was the mindset many of us had during our active addiction. The obsession and compulsion of our disease created a “one-track” way of thinking; when we desired something, it consumed our thoughts. The drugs we used taught us that instant gratification was just a dose away. Therefore, it’s no surprise that most of us entered Narcotics Anonymous with little to no patience.
In reality, we can’t always get what we want when we want it. Some of our desires are pure fantasy, and if we reflect on them, we’ll realize there’s no reason to believe they’ll ever come true. Even our realistic desires can’t always be fulfilled immediately or all at once. Achieving or acquiring some things often requires sacrificing others.
In our addiction, we sought instant gratification, squandering our resources. In recovery, we learn to prioritize, sometimes denying the gratification of some desires to fulfill more important long-term goals. This process requires patience. To cultivate patience, we practice our recovery program, seeking a deep spiritual awakening that allows us to live and enjoy life on life’s terms.
Just for today: Higher Power, help me discover what’s most important in my life. Help me learn patience, so that I can devote my resources to the important things.