Resistance to change
“Many of us cling to our fears, doubts, self-loathing, or hatred because there is a
certain distorted security in familiar pain. It seems safer to embrace what we know
than to let go of it for the unknown.”
Basic Text, p.33
We have often heard it said that “when the pain of remaining the same becomes
greater than the pain of changing, we will change.” Our fear can keep us from
growing, afraid to end relationships, change careers, attend new meetings, begin
new friendships, or attempt anything out of the ordinary. We stay in situations that
are no longer working far longer than we have to simply because what is familiar
feels safer than the unknown.
Any change involves overcoming fear. “What if I’m alone forever?” we might think if
we consider leaving our lover. “What if I find out I’m incompetent?” we may wonder
when we contemplate changing careers. We may balk at attending new meetings
because we will have to reach out. Our minds manufacture a hundred excuses for
remaining right where we are, afraid to try something new.
We find that most of our pain comes not from change but from resistance to change.
In NA, we learn that change is how we move forward in our lives. New friends, new
relationships, new interests and challenges will replace the old. With these new
things in our lives, we find new joys and loves.
Just for today: I will release the old, embrace the new, and grow.