Clean Time Chronicles
Clean Time Chronicles
I walked into my first NA meeting in October of 1984. At that time, I did not understand what power the fellowship would eventually have on my life. I was still letting people, places and things drive my behavior and it wasn’t until a year later and another trip through treatment, relapsing one more time, before I finally decided to give this a try. I don’t think I had surrendered yet, but I was on my way. That was November 29th, 1985.
The NA community where I got clean was in a small town in Eastern Washington, boasting six nighttime meetings and two daytime meetings, which were attended by the same 7 to 10 people every day.
We were totally in each other’s business, which I resented at the time. However, now that I look back on those days, I realize that the intimacy that we shared back then helped to build my strong commitment and love for this fellowship. Narcotics Anonymous changed my life. Clean Time Chronicles Clean Time Chronicles
With the help of sponsors over the years – those who loved me and were patient when I didn’t live up to the ideal NA member “standard” – taught me so much about the person that I wanted to be. They took me through the steps and showed me the importance of giving back what was freely given to me, doing this in a kind, non-judgmental and loving way. I wouldn’t be where I am without that.
The amazing example that they set for me over years is what I do my best to give to the people in my life.
I still work the steps on a regular basis, I have a home group which I attend regularly and I actively serve the fellowship in some capacity, all to give back. I have continued to practice this way of life for the past 34 years and have had the privilege of developing some of the most amazing relationships and enjoyed many remarkable experiences – friendships and adventures that never would have been a part of my life if I had continued to use.
I love my life – for the most part. Unfortunately, over the past couple of years, I have experienced some major life happenings that have been incredibly painful and there have been days/moments when my faith seems gone and no matter how much writing, praying, talking I do, it just doesn’t get any better. Clean Time Chronicles
However, the gift that recovery has been for me is that no matter how much emotional or physical pain I find myself in or how much faith I am lacking, I also remember how many times life has been amazing, how much faith I had…and, it gives me a small measure of hope. This gives me the courage to continue to put one foot in front of the other and not pick up.
Life can totally suck no matter how much clean time you have. You can experience periods where you completely lack faith that anything is going to get better. But the love and acceptance that is available in the loving arms of NA can save your life. Clean Time Chronicles
I just need to remember to do my very best to stay in the moment and not give up five minutes before the miracle happens.
The NA Times
SEPTEMBER 2021
Clean Time Chronicles
Visits: 8
