We find the courage to listen to the voice within, to create, to commit, to explore and to live.
Living Purely, Chapter 3, "The Creative Action of the Spirit"
It takes courage to try the NA lifestyle. Whether it's the first time or the fourteenth time, walking through the door of our first gathering—or our first return—takes real determination. And that's just the beginning. Once we stop using and the drug addiction fades, the challenges of living life on its terms require us to be brave again and again.
We are fortunate that the path of NA gives us the courage to persevere despite life's difficulties. We build lifelong friendships, learn from our fellow travelers and find there enough courage to overcome the challenges of the day. NA literature can also be a source of strength and courage. Each of us finds between the lines and the difficult questions we ask ourselves our own interpretation. As we study and apply the collective wisdom found in NA literature, we gain the courage to become more fully human, drawing strength from our Higher Power.
With a solid foundation in recovery, we can move into the world with courage and confidence, even if we sometimes reject the opportunities presented to us. “My 'eyes of fear' focused on the possibility of failure or rejection,” shared one member. "I was afraid to start or end relationships, to express my feelings, to express myself. I wasn't willing to be completely myself and I paid the price for not having the courage. In trying to avoid pain, I had also bypassed opportunities to find real joy." This is no way to live.
The example of others and our belief in a Higher Power inspire us to live with courage, despite uncertainty. Life is a risky business and things will not always work out in our favor. As one drug addict put it: "I am not God's little kitten and the answers to my prayers are not always yes." But even when things don't go my way, I still walk with courage. It helps to know that you will pick me up if I stumble." We dare to dream – to try, fail and try again.
If I risk nothing, I risk everything. I will muster up the necessary courage to take a leap of faith today, big or small.
