Walls
“Reaching out is the beginning of the struggle that will set us free. It will break down
the walls that imprison us.”
Basic Text, p.80
Many of us came to NA emotionally shattered. Years of using people and allowing
them to use us had taken their toll on our ability to trust anyone, ourselves included.
But the love and acceptance we found in Narcotics Anonymous encouraged us to
reach out and get close to
others.
The longer we stayed clean, the more we began to long for greater intimacy with our
loved ones. We began reaching out in deeper, more meaningful ways, even though
we might get hurt. Despite our fears of rejection, we decided to risk revealing
ourselves, our beliefs, and our needs. We decided to let down our defensive walls.
The freedom we’ve found has been worth the risk involved. We know there is still
work to do before we will be completely free of the barriers built by years of active
addiction. But by reaching out to other addicts and allowing them to reach out to us,
despite our human failings, we have come to know that we have a great capacity for
love and intimacy. When set free of their restraining walls, our hearts hold great
power.
Just for today: I will let down my personal walls and reach out to others. I will allow
my heart the freedom to love and be loved.