carl @SPADmessage

Goodwill and Our Relationships "In fact, the pyramid that is in our symbol is made up of relationships: with self, society, service, and God. Rooted in a base of goodwill, these are the relationships that bring us to a point of freedom." #SPAD

Honesty and Self-Awareness "Honesty is the antidote to our diseased thinking." I'll take some time to honestly evaluate any feelings and behavior I've avoided looking at. I will get a better perspective by putting pen to paper and talking to others in recovery. #SPAD

Planning Keeps Us Accountable "Trusting each other doesn't mean that we reject accountability; we put routines in place to protect ourselves, and our trusted servants, from the types of mistakes we, as addicts, are liable to make." #SPAD

Hope Around the World "Narcotics Anonymous offers hope to addicts around the world, regardless of any real or imagined differences that might separate us." Today I strive to receive that message from whoever offers it & to take responsibility for carrying it to whoever needs it.

A Bond of Selflessness "Make us servants of Your will and grant us a bond of selflessness, that this may truly be Your work, not ours..." I will practice selflessness by striving to keep the message--and a power greater than myself--at the center of my service efforts. #SPAD

Living Life in Balance "Sometimes we get confused and think that to live spiritually means that we are happy and get what we want, and that if we're not happy or don't get our way, something is out of balance."

We Are Responsible for Our Recovery "Although we are not responsible for our disease, we are responsible for our recovery." I'm responsible for my life & my choices. Today I'll refrain from blaming others for the consequences of my actions. For me, responsibility equals freedom.

Individuality, Openness, & Our Spiritual Lives Each of us finds a to live spiritually, that allows us freedom about how we live. I'll be open to the rich mosaic of spiritual expression I find in recovery. I'll explore & nurture my own beliefs as I apply the principles of recovery

Self-Support Takes Faith "Belief in self-support is a...leap of faith. We commit to the idea that we will be enough." How can I move toward self-support today? What conversations might inspire me to take that leap of faith or prepare me for opportunities on my horizon? #SPAD

Surrendering to a New Way of Life "Admitting our powerlessness is a surrender, an admission that we don't know the solution to our problems." I'll practice admitting my powerlessness in any situation & free myself to see new solutions. I will surrender the things I can't control.

Humility Is Living in Reality "Humility is most easily identified as an acceptance of who we truly are--neither worse nor better than we believed we were when we were using, just human." #SPAD

Gratitude Transforms Us "Gratitude in action is an engine for change: As we carry the message, our own lives transform." I will look for opportunities to give of myself today and take time to appreciate my transformation. #SPAD

Patience and the Process of Healing "Healing takes time, but it does happen. We must be patient with ourselves." I invite patience to help me find satisfaction with my progress and access the resources I need for continued recovery and healing. #SPAD

Anonymity and Selfless Service The fact that we are anonymous means that the work we do really can be selfless service. We don't want or need credit for helping others; it's what we do to save our own lives. I will make my service about others today. #SPAD

Cooperation Despite Friction "Time and time again, in crises we have set aside our differences & worked for the common good." Placing principles before personalities means cooperating whether or not I get along with someone. I'll do my best to set aside differences for NA unity.

Choosing Freedom "We are free to change our minds, to change our perspective, and to change our lives. Freedom means that we are no longer living by default." I will live this day consciously and with purpose. In choosing to change, I'm choosing to be myself. I'm choosing freedom

Untangling Life's Knots with the Serenity Prayer The Serenity Prayer is a tool we use in our recovery: Considering what we can and cannot change becomes increasingly powerful. The wisdom to know the difference evolves as I do. I will try to connect with the principles behind it.

Fidelity to the Message As I share and listen, I will make an effort to faithfully connect the message between the lived experience and the proposition that "an addict, any addict, can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use, and find a new way to live." #SPAD

The Value of Honest Self-Assessment Honest self-assessment is a key to our new way of life. I am committed to looking at myself as honestly and completely as possible. I have the fearlessness I need to examine the parts of myself I want to cultivate and those I strive to diminish

Hope in Darkness and in Light "We find [hope] again and again as our journey continues: In the dark moments when we realize we can go on anyway, and in our triumphs--it is possible." I will pay attention to members going through the unthinkable and do my best to offer them hope.