“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
– Serenity Prayer
Recovery is a process of continual growth and change. As we walk the path of recovery, we realize that true healing involves more than just stopping the use of drugs—it requires us to change our habits, attitudes, and behaviors. Change, however, can be daunting. Many of us are resistant to change, even when we know it’s necessary. It takes courage to step into the unknown and embrace a new way of living, and finding that courage is essential to our recovery.
For many of us, even though we knew that our addiction was destroying us, it was familiar. There’s a certain comfort in the known, even if it’s unhealthy. The routines of addiction—though chaotic—were predictable. Breaking free from these patterns requires stepping into unfamiliar territory, and that can be scary.
When faced with the idea of changing our lives, we might feel overwhelmed. We may wonder, What if I fail? What if I can’t handle the changes recovery demands? These fears are normal, but they shouldn’t stop us from moving forward. Change, while challenging, is necessary for growth and healing. And in recovery, we learn that we don’t have to face these changes alone.
One of the best ways to find the courage to change is by looking around us in Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings. There, we see others who have faced the same fears and challenges and who have come out on the other side. Watching others successfully navigate change can inspire us to take those first steps ourselves.
In meetings, we hear the stories of people who were once afraid of change, just like us. They, too, resisted stepping out of their comfort zones. But by working the steps and trusting the process, they found the courage to change. These individuals are living proof that change is possible—and that it leads to a better, more fulfilling life.
The experiences of others in NA serve as a beacon of hope, showing us that change doesn’t spell disaster; it spells growth. Not only does this quiet our fears, but it also gives us practical tools and insights. We can learn from their experience and use what has worked for them as we begin to make changes in our own lives.
Even if we are new to recovery, we’ve already experienced some form of positive change. Stopping the use of drugs is one of the biggest changes we can make in our lives, and for many of us, it seemed impossible at first. But we did it. This accomplishment shows us that we are capable of change.
As we reflect on our journey so far, we realize that every time we’ve surrendered to the process of recovery, it has led to positive outcomes. Whether it’s admitting our powerlessness, seeking help, or applying the Twelve Steps, we’ve seen that change—when guided by the principles of recovery—leads to growth and freedom. This realization helps build our confidence and shows us that we can face future changes with the same courage.
In recovery, we learn that “changing the things I can” is a central part of the healing process. The Serenity Prayer reminds us that while there are things we cannot control, there are also things we can change—and it’s our responsibility to take action in those areas. Whether it’s changing our attitudes, behaviors, or relationships, we are empowered to make choices that support our growth and recovery.
The Twelve Steps of NA are a powerful tool for navigating change. Each step offers us a framework for personal transformation, helping us identify what needs to change and guiding us through the process of making those changes. The steps also provide us with the spiritual and emotional support we need to face our fears and embrace growth.
For example, in Step Four, we take a personal inventory, identifying the defects of character and behaviors that have held us back. In Step Six, we become willing to have these defects removed, and in Step Seven, we ask our Higher Power for help in making those changes. These steps show us that we don’t have to change everything all at once; we take things one step at a time, with the guidance of our Higher Power.
As we work the steps, we come to trust in the process of recovery. We begin to see that change, while difficult, is not something to fear. It’s an opportunity for growth, healing, and freedom from the patterns that once controlled our lives.
Courage is not the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to move forward despite fear. In recovery, we learn to embrace this courage. With the help of our Higher Power and the support of the NA fellowship, we find the strength to face the changes that lie ahead.
As we continue on this journey, we realize that the fear of change is often worse than the change itself. Each time we take a step forward, we grow stronger. We gain confidence in our ability to adapt and overcome. And as we experience the benefits of change—improved relationships, emotional stability, and a sense of purpose—we become more willing to embrace future changes.
In recovery, we are not alone. We have the support of a loving Higher Power and a fellowship of people who have walked this path before us. Together, we find the courage to change the things we can and to trust that this change will lead us to a better, more fulfilling life.