Relationships

"One of the most profound changes in our lives is in the realm
of personal relationships."   Basic Text p.55

  Recovery gives many of us relationships that are closer and
more
intimate than any we've had before. As time passes, we find
ourselves gravitating toward those who eventually become
our friends, our sponsor, and our partners in life. Shared
laughter, tears, and struggles bring shared respect and lasting
empathy.

  What, then, do we do when we find that we don't agree with
our friends on everything? We may discover that we don't share
the same taste in music as our dearest friend, or that we don't
agree with our spouse about how the furniture should be arranged,
or even find ourselves voting differently than our sponsor at a service
committee meeting. Does conflict mean that the friendship, the
marriage, or the sponsorship is over? No!

  These types of conflict are not only to be expected in any long-
lasting relationship but are actually an indication that both people
are emotionally healthy and honest individuals. In any relationship
where both people agree on absolutely everything, chances are
that only one person is doing the thinking. If we sacrifice our honesty
and integrity to avoid conflicts or disagreements, we give away the
best of what we bring to our relationships. We experience the full
measure of partnership with another human being when we are
fully honest.

Just for today: I will welcome the differences that make each one
of us special. Today, I will work on being myself.

Just For Today Daily Meditation is the property of Narcotics Anonymous ©
1991 by World Service Office Inc.