Just for Today – October 19 – Standing for Something

“…we could feel time, touch reality, and recognize spiritual values long lost to many of us.”
– Basic Text, page 85

Addiction often leads us to compromise our values and abandon the principles that once defined us. In our pursuit of drugs, we ignored what mattered most, eroding our integrity and leaving our characters in ruins. Recovery offers the opportunity to rediscover and rebuild those values, allowing us to live with purpose, strength, and self-respect.

The Cost of Compromising Values

In active addiction, many of us did things we never thought we were capable of:

• Lying: To employers, loved ones, and ourselves.
• Stealing: From friends, family, or strangers.
• Manipulating: Using others to fuel our addiction.

Each act of compromise chipped away at our character. Over time, we lost sight of who we were and what we stood for. By the time we reached recovery, many of us felt like hollow versions of our former selves.

Rediscovering Our Values

The process of recovery helps us rediscover the values we had abandoned. Through honest self-examination, particularly in the Fourth Step, we identify the principles that resonate most deeply with us:

• Honesty: Being truthful with ourselves and others.
• Integrity: Acting in alignment with our beliefs.
• Compassion: Treating others with kindness and understanding.

These values become the foundation of our recovery, guiding our actions and decisions as we rebuild our lives.

Living by Our Principles

Reclaiming our values is just the beginning. To truly transform, we must live by these principles every day, even when doing so is challenging.

Ways to Honor Your Values:

1. Practice Honesty: Even when lying seems easier or more convenient.
2. Keep Commitments: Follow through on promises to yourself and others.
3. Show Respect: Treat everyone, including yourself, with dignity.
4. Set Boundaries: Protect your integrity by saying no to things that conflict with your values.

Each time we act in alignment with our principles, we strengthen our character and reinforce the foundation of our recovery.

The Temptation to Compromise

Life will inevitably test our commitment to our values. We may face situations where bending the truth, cutting corners, or reverting to old behaviors seems appealing.

But compromising our values—even in small ways—can lead us down a slippery slope. Once we start justifying dishonesty or inconsistency, we risk undoing the progress we’ve made in recovery.

Standing for Something

To maintain the integrity we’ve worked so hard to rebuild, we must stand for something. This means identifying what matters most to us and honoring those principles, no matter the circumstances.

By standing for something, we create a life of purpose and authenticity. We gain the respect of others and, more importantly, of ourselves.

The Strength of Living Our Values

Living by our values gives us strength:

• Self-Respect: We feel good about who we are and the choices we make.
• Clarity: Our principles guide us, even in difficult situations.
• Connection: Honesty and integrity foster trust and deepen relationships.

This strength allows us to face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that we are living authentically and honorably.