Just For Today | June 22 | Accepting Life as It Is

“In our recovery, we find it essential to accept reality. Once we can do this, we do not find it necessary to use drugs in an attempt to change our perceptions.”
Basic Text, page 87

Confronting Life Without Drugs

Drugs used to buffer us from the full force of life. When we stop using drugs and enter recovery, we find ourselves confronted directly with life. We may experience disappointment, frustration, or anger. Events may not happen the way we want them to. The self-centeredness we cultivated in our addiction has distorted our perceptions of life; it is difficult to let go of our expectations and accept life as it is.

In the throes of addiction, substances often served as a shield against the realities we found too painful or difficult to handle. This shielding effect created an illusion where we could escape from the uncomfortable truths and responsibilities of life. Recovery strips away this illusion, compelling us to face life head-on.

The Role of the Twelve Steps

We learn to accept our lives by working the Twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous. Each step provides a framework for understanding and embracing our reality. We discover how to change our attitudes and let go of character defects. We no longer need to distort the truth or to run from situations. The more we practice the spiritual principles contained in the steps, the easier it becomes to accept life exactly as it comes to us.

Key Steps for Acceptance:

1. Step One: Admitting powerlessness over addiction and recognizing life’s unmanageability.
2. Step Four: Conducting a fearless moral inventory of ourselves to understand our character defects.
3. Step Nine: Making direct amends to those we have harmed, fostering accountability and acceptance.

Changing Attitudes and Letting Go

Acceptance involves a fundamental shift in our attitudes. The self-centeredness and unrealistic expectations we held in active addiction can no longer dictate our responses to life’s challenges. By letting go of these attitudes, we open ourselves to a more balanced and realistic perspective.

Strategies to Change Attitudes:

• Practice Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate the positive aspects of your life.
• Mindfulness: Stay present and fully engage with the current moment without judgment.
• Affirmations: Use positive statements to reinforce a healthier mindset.

Embracing Spiritual Principles

The spiritual principles of the Twelve Steps, such as humility, honesty, and willingness, are essential tools for accepting life as it is. These principles guide us towards a more harmonious existence, where we can face reality without the need to escape or distort it.

Benefits of Spiritual Principles:

• Humility: Recognizing our limitations and accepting help from others.
• Honesty: Being truthful with ourselves and others about our feelings and actions.
• Willingness: Being open to change and new ways of thinking.

Just for Today

“Just for today: I will practice self-acceptance by practicing the Twelve Steps.”

This daily meditation encourages us to embrace the Twelve Steps as a means of accepting ourselves and our lives. Through this practice, we learn to navigate life’s ups and downs without resorting to substances or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Actionable Steps

To integrate the principles of acceptance into your daily routine, consider the following steps:

1. Daily Reflection: Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on the steps and how they apply to your life.
2. Journaling: Write about your experiences, challenges, and progress in accepting life as it is.
3. Seek Support: Engage with your NA community for guidance and encouragement.

By incorporating these practices, you can strengthen your ability to accept life on its terms and continue to grow in your recovery journey.