The ability to focus on a primary purpose and work creatively toward that purpose is such a large part of our lifestyle that we may not realize how valuable it is to the world at large.
Living Purely, Chapter 5, “Bridging Two Worlds: Relationships with People Outside NA”
The view that what we learn in recovery is applicable outside of NA is not unprecedented nor surprising. There's a lot to be said for how the things we do in NA – our tools, our principles, our primary purpose of helping others – are easily transferable to other contexts and usually valuable. We have Steps that guide us, in essence, to pave the way for us to be able to offer help to others. The principles within the Traditions exhort us to operate with integrity, goodwill and discernment in groups and within contexts. Convening around a primary purpose helps us stay focused and aligned with each other. The concept of "principles before personalities" guides us through the conflicts that inevitably arise.
Each of us learns these transferable skills, embodying qualities that can help various structures: a family, a business, a community or religious group, even a one-to-one relationship, romantic or otherwise. Our value as members of NA extends to our value outside of it. Being geared towards generosity, kindness, responsibility, perseverance and, of course, gratitude in all our affairs enriches our lives and touches the lives of others. Some people outside of NA may know that we are recovering from addiction, but others don't. However, what they often see is a person who is able to act out of love instead of fear, who can face adversity and is willing to help others in unpleasant situations.
As great as the above description sounds - and as true as it is - none of this is possible without actually applying the principles of NA and using the tools of our program. As we say in meetings, "It works when we work it". But it doesn't work when we don't work it. Working in the Steps and Traditions helps prepare us to serve beyond the NA. And we know that when we make mistakes, inside NA and outside of it, we always have each other's experience, strength, and hope to lean on and help us find our way again.
How do I apply what I learn in NA to other areas of my life and what can I do today to help that goal?
