We learn to treat others with kindness and respect and do what we can to support each other and our team.
It works, First Delivery
Few of us come to Narcotics Anonymous with effective social skills - often acquired through trial and error - mostly mistakes. When we wrong others without meaning to, we feel awful and learn from our mistakes. The good news is that some of the best lessons come from our mistakes. We call our supporters, talk to ourselves, understand our part and find better ways to handle similar situations in the future.
We are at our best when kindness inspires our words and actions. When kindness is a priority, we are more likely to be supportive, and this helps us grow as individuals and as NA groups. Of course, it is easier to be kind to those we love. But we don't have to open our homes and share our holiday meals to honor our offering to Narcotics Anonymous.
Being part of a group challenges us to practice kindness to people outside of our immediate circle. Our investment in the welfare of NA is more important than our personal feelings about any particular member. We put the well-being of the team above all else and treat all our members with respect, regardless of their baggage or grievances. Friendship is not a prerequisite for kindness. Instead, we are gentle in order to foster unity within the group and support personal recovery – our own and that of our group members. The simplest gesture of kindness can make all the difference when we feel stuck. “I was isolating myself and thinking about using. I received a message from another member of the home team asking if I was going to the meeting. It was just the push I needed,” shared one member.
Our actions have a profound effect on others as well as an impact on our self-esteem. By choosing goodness, we improve ourselves as we contribute to the unity of the NA. Our actions make NA gatherings safe and trusting spaces for personal growth. The way we treat each other and our teams reflects how we put “we” over “me”.
Today I will treat other members with respect and courtesy. I will act in ways that support recovery – yours, mine and ours.
