01 June Consistency and Step Ten Page 158 "In the Tenth Step, we use all the principles and actions we learned in the previous steps, applying them to our lives on a consistent basis." It Works, Step Ten Left unexamined, anger, fear, shame, and resentment can bring out the worst in us. Character defects we'd once honed into survival skills stand ready to "help." It's no surprise they spring to mind first when we're faced with a challenge. We've relied on manipulation, self-pity, intolerance, dishonesty, perfectionism, arrogance, and the rest of our defects for as long as we can remember. But now that we're in recovery, it seems increasingly clear they're not such a good fit for our new lives. The lessons of Steps Four through Nine help us see those crusty old tools in a new light. We've become deeply familiar with the damage we caused in the past, have surrendered aspects of our character that shaped hurtful words and actions, and have humbly gone about owning our messes and cleaning them up. Understanding how we've operated in the past sets us up for a better way, but it will take consistent effort for our new ways to become second nature. Step Ten gets us in the habit of viewing our lives through the lens of the Steps. Consistent practice helps us integrate their principles into our lives. Here's one member's experience with doing just that: "My regular inventories read like letters to my Higher Power. They begin with 'Dear HP'--my reminder that I'm not alone in this process. Then I jot down the fears and resentments that are popping up, the defects that are calling me, and the spiritual principles I need to keep handy instead. I end with 'I am ready for you to remove my shortcomings and clear the way for my loving service.'" There are many ways to practice Step Ten, of course. How we go about it is far less important than the fact that we do! Reflecting on our progress helps us integrate the principles into our lives and live consistently by our values. Does my habit of self-reflection encourage consistency between my beliefs and behavior? How can I integrate the Steps and their principles into my practice of Step Ten? All NAWS subscriptions are free. We are able to provide this service due, in part, to the generous contributions of our members. If you are a member, you can make a contribution here: www.na.org/contribute UNSUBSCRIBE to stop receiving all NAWS emails. UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION PREFERENCES to update which emails you receive. NA World Services, Inc. 19737 Nordhoff Place Chatsworth, CA 91311 Copyright © 2025 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (fb)

01 June Keep coming back Page 159 "We don't have to be clean when we get here but, after the first meeting, we suggest that newcomers keep coming back and come back clean. We don't have to wait for an overdose or jail sentence to get help from Narcotics Anonymous." Basic Text, pp. 10-11 ❖ Very few of us arrive in NA brimming with willingness. Some of us are here because we are court-ordered to attend. Some have come to save our families. Some come in an effort to salvage a career teetering on the brink of ruin. It doesn't matter why we are here. It only matters that we are. We have heard it said that "if we bring the body, the mind will follow." We may come to meetings with a chip on our shoulders. We may be one of those who sits in the back of the rooms with our arms folded across our chest, glaring threateningly at anyone who approaches us. Perhaps we leave before the final prayer. But if we keep coming back, we find that our minds begin to open up. We start to drop our guards, and begin to really listen when others share. We may even hear someone talking with whom we can relate. We begin the process of change. After some time in NA, we find that more than our minds have arrived in our meeting rooms. More importantly, our hearts have arrived, too. After that happens, the miracles really begin! ❖ Just for Today: I will strive to listen with an open mind to what I hear shared. All NAWS subscriptions are free. We are able to provide this service due, in part, to the generous contributions of our members. If you are a member, you can make a contribution here: www.na.org/contribute UNSUBSCRIBE to stop receiving all NAWS emails. UPDATE SUBSCRIPTION PREFERENCES to update which emails you receive. NA World Services, Inc. 19737 Nordhoff Place Chatsworth, CA 91311 Copyright © 2025 by Narcotics Anonymous World Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. (fb)