“Our ancestors passed down many laws which they had learned from their elders. These laws were good. The Creator gives us many laws to live by. These are different than the laws of man. The laws of the Creator are designed for us to live in harmony and balance with ourselves and each other. These laws are about having freedom and happiness. Our Elders teach us these laws. Laws about how to treat each other, laws about how to treat and respect our Mother Earth, laws about the environment.
The gift of desperation. When we think of being desperate, we envision an undesirable state: a poor, bedraggled soul frantically clawing at something sorely needed. Yet it was the desperation we felt before coming to N. A. that compelled us to accept the First Step. Our best efforts at control had only worn us out; hence, we became willing to surrender. Desperation is what finally drives many of us to ask for help. Just as the desperate, hunted animal seeks a safe haven, so do we: in Narcotics Anonymous.
Just for Today: The gift of desperation has helped me become honest, open-minded, and willing. I am grateful for this gift because it has made my recovery possible.”