Insides & outsides
“Our real value is in being ourselves.”
Basic Text, p. 101
As we work the steps, we’re bound to discover some basic truths about ourselves.
The process of uncovering our secrets, exposing them, and searching our characters
reveals our true nature. As we become acquainted with ourselves, we’ll need to
make a decision to be just who we are.
We may want to take a look at what we present to our fellow addicts and the world
and see if it matches up with what we’ve discovered inside. Do we pretend that
nothing bothers us when, in truth, we’re very sensitive? Do we cover our insecurities
with obnoxious jokes, or do we share our fears with someone? Do we dress like a
teenager when we’re approaching forty and are basically conservative?
We may want to take another look at those things which we thought “weren’t us.”
Maybe we’ve avoided NA activities because we “don’t like crowds.” Or maybe we
have a secret dream of changing careers but have put off taking action because our
dream “wasn’t really right” for us. As we attain a new understanding of ourselves,
we’ll want to adjust our behavior accordingly. We want to be genuine examples of
who we are.
Just for today: I will check my outsides to make sure they match my insides. I will
try to act on the growth I have experienced in recovery.