Just For Today – August 29 – Don’t Look Back

https://youtu.be/qD_2fXxPc_0

The steps offer “a big change from a life dominated by guilt and remorse. Our futures are changed because we don’t have to avoid those who we have harmed. As a result… we receive a new freedom that can end isolation.”
Basic Text, page 31

Embracing Change and Letting Go of Regrets

Many of us come to Narcotics Anonymous (NA) burdened with regrets about our past. These regrets often stem from the harm we have caused to ourselves and others. The Twelve Steps help us begin to resolve these regrets by examining our lives, admitting our wrongs, making amends, and sincerely trying to change our behavior. Through this process, we find a joyous sense of freedom.

The Power of Making Amends

By making amends, we address the harm we have caused, allowing us to let go of the guilt and remorse that once dominated our lives. Once we have made our amends, we can move forward with a sense of closure. What’s done is truly over and gone. Our past no longer defines us; instead, it is where we are going that counts.

Shifting Focus from Past to Future

In NA, we begin to look forward rather than dwelling on the past. Living and staying clean just for today is a core principle, but recovery also allows us to set goals, dream dreams, and anticipate the joys that a life in recovery offers. This forward-looking mindset keeps us centered on our future, helping us avoid the trap of regret and remorse.

The Benefits of Looking Forward

• Freedom from Isolation: By resolving our past wrongs, we no longer have to avoid those we have harmed, ending the isolation that addiction often brings.
• Setting Goals: Recovery enables us to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them.
• Dreaming Again: As we heal, we find it possible to dream about the future and work towards making those dreams a reality.
• Positive Outlook: Focusing on where we are going fosters a positive outlook, essential for maintaining sobriety and personal growth.

Practical Steps to Embrace the Future

1. Complete Your Amends: Ensure you have made amends where possible. This step is crucial for letting go of past guilt and remorse.
2. Set New Goals: Identify short-term and long-term goals that align with your values and aspirations. Write them down and create a plan to achieve them.
3. Dream Big: Allow yourself to dream about what your future could hold. Recovery opens up new possibilities that were previously out of reach.
4. Stay Present: While looking forward, remember to stay grounded in the present. Focus on living clean and making positive choices today.
5. Seek Support: Engage with your NA community and support network to stay motivated and accountable.

Affirmation for Today

“Just for today: The steps have freed me from regrets over my past. Today, I look forward to my new life in recovery.”

This affirmation encourages us to embrace the freedom and possibilities that come with recovery. By focusing on our future, we reinforce our commitment to a healthier, happier life.

Conclusion: The Joy of Moving Forward

The Twelve Steps of NA offer a profound shift from a life dominated by guilt and remorse to one filled with hope and possibility. By making amends and embracing a forward-looking mindset, we find freedom from our past and the courage to pursue our dreams. Recovery is a journey of continuous growth and transformation, and by focusing on where we are going, we can truly live a life free from the shadows of our past.

Just for today, commit to looking forward. Embrace the freedom from your past regrets and focus on building a bright, fulfilling future in recovery.