JFT August 28 - The Light Of Exposure

[margo]

"These defects grow in the dark and die in the light of exposure."
Basic Text p.31

The Fifth Step asks us to share our true nature with God, with ourselves, and with another human being. It doesn't encourage us to tell everyone every little secret about ourselves. It doesn't ask us to disclose to the whole world every shameful or frightening thought we've ever had. Step Five simply suggests that our secrets cause us more harm than good when we keep them completely to ourselves.

If we give in to our reluctance to reveal our true nature to even one human being, the secret side of our lives becomes more powerful. And when the secrets are in control, they drive a wedge between ourselves, our Higher Power, and the things we value most about our recovery.

When we share our secret selves in confidence with at least one human being - our sponsor, perhaps, or a close friend - this person usually doesn't reject us. We disclose ourselves to someone else and are rewarded with their acceptance. When this happens, we realize that honest sharing is not life-threatening; the secrets have lost their power over us.

Just for today: I can disarm the secrets in my life by sharing them with one human being.
pg. 250

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous©

[Gooch]

Thought when I quit using that things would be different. Took a while for it to sink in that the drugs weren't my problem I was my problem. I'm still plagued by character defects that have been part of me for so many years. Only thing is now I admit them readily and by being conscious of them, for the most part, I get the choice whether to act out on them or not.

Seems common experience for us that the harder we tried to deny our attitudes and behaviours or go about convinced that they left when we quit getting high, just that much sooner do they manifest and make our lives miserable.

[servicejunkie]

"we're only as sick as our secrets", doing a fifth step really frees the spirit. I just wanted to say thanks for posting the Just For Today every day, it is really very convenient for me to check it out on this site. I just discovered this site the other day, but look forward to getting to know some of you on here.

[Gooch]

Hola Service Junkie ! Lookin forward to reading your shares.

[Sandy Marie]

Hi Margo, Gooch, and Servicejunkie,

I just happened on this thread. I really appreciate the honesty here. I do my utmost to follow this step. I think it's hard to sit back and acknowledge weak areas, but as you said a necessary step to get to the next level. Thanks again.
Sandy