Just For Today | June 17 | 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, page 80

Breaking Down Emotional Walls

Many of us came to Narcotics Anonymous emotionally shattered. Years of using people and allowing them to use us had taken their toll on our ability to trust anyone, including ourselves. The walls we built to protect ourselves ended up imprisoning us, isolating us from the love and support we desperately needed.

The love and acceptance we found in Narcotics Anonymous encouraged us to reach out and get close to others. This process of breaking down emotional walls and building trust is a vital part of recovery. It begins with small steps, sharing bits of ourselves, and gradually opening up to deeper connections.

The Journey to Intimacy

The longer we stayed clean, the more we began to long for greater intimacy with our loved ones. This longing is a natural part of the healing process. 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.

Steps to Foster Intimacy:

1. Communicate openly: Share your thoughts and feelings honestly with others.
2. Practice active listening: Show genuine interest in what others have to say.
3. Be vulnerable: Allow yourself to be seen and known, flaws and all.

By taking these steps, we build stronger, more authentic relationships.

The Freedom Found in Connection

The freedom we’ve found has been worth the risk involved. Breaking down our walls and allowing others in has led to profound personal growth. We know there is still work to do before we will be completely free of the barriers built by years of active addiction. However, each step we take towards openness and vulnerability strengthens our capacity for love and intimacy.

When set free of their restraining walls, our hearts hold great power. This power can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. 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.

Embracing Vulnerability

Embracing vulnerability is a courageous act. It requires us to trust that we are worthy of love and capable of giving it. This trust can be difficult to cultivate, especially when past experiences have taught us to protect ourselves at all costs. Yet, it is through vulnerability that we truly connect with others.

Ways to Embrace Vulnerability:

• Acknowledge your fears: Recognize what scares you about being vulnerable and confront those fears.
• Seek support: Lean on trusted friends and mentors as you navigate your vulnerability.
• Celebrate small victories: Each step towards openness is a victory worth acknowledging.

By embracing vulnerability, we pave the way for deeper, more fulfilling relationships.

Just for Today

“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.”

This daily meditation is a call to action. It encourages us to take the risk of letting others in, knowing that the rewards of connection and intimacy far outweigh the potential for hurt. By letting down our walls, we give ourselves the gift of genuine relationships and the freedom to fully experience love.

Actionable Steps

To incorporate the principles of breaking down emotional walls into your daily life, consider the following steps:

1. Identify your walls: Reflect on the defenses you have built and why they are there.
2. Challenge your beliefs: Question the assumptions that keep you isolated.
3. Take small risks: Gradually open up to others in safe and supportive environments.

By taking these steps, you can begin to dismantle the walls that imprison you and embrace a life filled with love and connection.