When Goodwill supports and motivates both the individual and the Brotherhood, we are whole and completely free.
Basic text, “Our Symbol”
Before we came to NA, we were driven mostly by ego with a reckless, feverish focus on finding ways and means to get more drugs. The desire to stop using brings us to the rooms - it can be desperate or minimal, motivated by a push from the judge, our parents, our conscience or the consequences of continued use. When we got here, we didn't use our honesty much. And the goodwill? We had never heard of her.
And yet, recovery is possible for all of us. We begin to learn to serve when we have some precious clean time. As our journey continues, service becomes a core part of our program. We understand the concept of integrity as we serve alongside other recovering addicts. We learn about goodwill by following in their footsteps. We explore how integrity fits into our new lifestyle and begin to examine our motivations on a deeper level.
Sometimes the driving force behind our initial interest in joining a service committee or making a commitment is motivated by our desire to appear likable or our need for the validation of others. We may do the right thing, but we may not do it for the right reason. It's a start.
The seeds of goodwill are planted as we continue to serve. We welcome newcomers to our group, help place literature orders on an area service committee, or join the EYD for the first time as we develop our relationship with the service. We keep showing up and find that the reason we stay committed is different than what brought us to that commitment in the first place. Freedom comes from unprecedented excitement when we find our place in service. When we serve selflessly and with good will, we tend to find satisfaction and pleasure in our efforts, within and outside NA.
The foundations of our program are rooted in goodwill. As we continue to give of our time and energy with more conscious value-based intentions, our understanding of generosity expands and our personal freedom increases accordingly.
Today I will bring a spirit of generosity and giving to the NA community I belong to, my family, my work or my neighborhood. Motivated by good will and aiming at freedom, I will commit myself completely.
