Jennings County Nar-Anon Family

Jennings County Nar-Anon Family We share a message of hope to families who have loved ones that are struggling with SUD

11/27/2025

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving everyone!! 🍁🧡🍂

November 26 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingTHERE WHEN NEEDEDOne day when I was at church, I looked at my watch. The watch is...
11/27/2025

November 26 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

THERE WHEN NEEDED

One day when I was at church, I looked at my watch. The watch is special. When my husband, retired he gave me this watch with his company's emblem on it.

When I arrived home, I did some chores. I was sweeping up and went to check the time. My watch was gone! I did not even feel or know when it came off. I checked all over and I walked back to church checking the route. I asked if some one had turned it in. No luck.

I felt terrible. My husband reminded me that the watch was a material thing and that I should let it go. Even though I knew he was right, I felt that I had the right to feel what I felt and that I did not want to let it go. In hindsight, I realized I must have seen some value in feeling terrible, although I still do not know what it could have been. Finally, I did manage to let go of my feelings about the watch.

A week later, I was changing the bed. As I grabbed the sheets off, the watch fell to the floor. I was over-whelmed with joy! I cried as my husband stood and watched. I explained that I was crying tears of joy but not for the watch. That moment I thought how hard it is to let the addict in my life go. I realized that until I let them go, they would not come back to me.

It was so evident what my Higher Power was showing me through this incident of the watch. Thank you for being there when I needed you.

Thought for Today: Today I will trust and I will let go and let God.

“It’s mind over matter. When you no longer mind, it doesn’t matter.” ~ Unknown

Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 25 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingSTAYING IN TODAYThe slogan, “One Day at a Time,” helps me retain my serenity. Bef...
11/27/2025

November 25 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading
STAYING IN TODAY
The slogan, “One Day at a Time,” helps me retain my serenity. Before I learned how to put this slogan into practice, I anticipated the worst. I planned in my head what I would do when the addict would have an accident or when any other unlikely event would happen. Without my program, I predicted countless worst-case scenarios. I became all worked up and reacted as though these fantasies were happening. The fantasy pain I felt was so acute, it was as though it were reality.
I realize I was insane at times like those. By the time the addict arrived home, I was ready to jump on him before I knew what had really happened. Other times, I might hide or pretend to be asleep for I felt sure he would jump on me.
As I learn to practice the Nar-Anon program, I find serenity by focusing on what I am doing at the moment, a moment at a time. As clarity of mind grows, I realize that I can decide what to do and how to deal with things that do happen. Most of the time, I find that I do not have to do anything!
Thought for Today: Living one day at a time is the path to serenity. Staying in today, I deal with the reality of what is actually happening. I learn to not trade my serenity for worst-case scenarios.
“I will try to live through this day only, and not tackle my whole life problem at once.” ~ Nar-Anon Blue Booklet
Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 24 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingCHOICES THAT LEAD TO GROWTHFor me, there was so much fear connected with my growt...
11/27/2025

November 24 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading
CHOICES THAT LEAD TO GROWTH
For me, there was so much fear connected with my growth. I had to make decisions that affected my loved ones and me. I was so afraid of what would happen. What would my loved one's reactions be? Alone, I failed to see my choices. When I talked with a Nar-Anon member, I realized I was not trapped and my fear was put into perspective. Now, through working my program, when I experience success, I break the cycle of fear. Another day of growth!
When a new crisis arises, I want to rush in to rescue. I feel it is my fault. If only I had done something different. Why do I always feel I am the reason something bad is happening to my loved one? What is the difference between rescuing someone and working my program? I needed to ask for help to understand. I call my sponsor or a friend in the program. Slowly, by sharing, I begin to see that I have choices. I see that my loved one also has choices. Then I understand that I do not have to react, but that I can make decisions based on my best interests.
As my fear is lifting, I am free to take an honest look at myself. I do not have to give away my identity and my self-esteem. I find in the quiet times; I can fill my mind with constructive thoughts. My Nar-Anon program suggests ways to rediscover myself. It also suggests that there is a better way to live.
Thought for Today: When I make better choices for myself, my life will get better. Nar-Anon suggests that I, too, can direct that change consciously if I so desire. Myself, I can change. Others, I can only love.
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged, to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." ~ Nelson Mandela
Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 23 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingPOWERLESSWhile I was trying to manage and control my loved one's life, I had let ...
11/27/2025

November 23 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

POWERLESS

While I was trying to manage and control my loved one's life, I had let my personal appearance go. I looked in the mirror and saw the results of my obsession. I thought that working on me was difficult. I could no longer blame others for how I looked and felt. I admitted that I was powerless over the addict and came to believe that only faith in a Power greater than myself could free me to live in recovery, one day at a time.

As I was powerless over my loved ones, I also seemed to be powerless over doing good things for me. I had trouble getting started; I had so many good excuses. With step work, I began to see that I could be good to myself, regardless of my situation, with my Higher Power’s help. I became ready for my Higher Power to remove my excuses and help me start managing my own life.

When I get scared of what might happen next, my program reminds me that projecting the future and bringing up the past keeps me frozen, unable to move ahead in recovery. Faith in a Power greater than me replaces that fear and helps me grow.

Thought for Today: I will be a good friend to myself. I will do a good deed for me. I will pamper myself as I normally do for others. Today, I will focus on my good feelings and fun in my life. I will be thankful. I will laugh today for there is joy in living.

“If you nurture your mind, body, and spirit, your time will expand. You will gain a new perspective that will allow you to accomplish much more.” Brian Koslow

Copyright Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 22 Nar Anon Daily SESH ReadingTRADITION ELEVENSharing the Nar-Anon message with those that are in need is impor...
11/27/2025

November 22 Nar Anon Daily SESH Reading

TRADITION ELEVEN

Sharing the Nar-Anon message with those that are in need is important because it is Nar-Anon’s main purpose to offer comfort and aid to those that suffer from the effects of another’s addiction. However, since anonymity is also the “spiritual foundation of all our Traditions,” I should not become too publicly enthusiastic in my promotion of the Nar-Anon program.

On a personal level, I can share how Nar-Anon has helped me and suggest that others may find the same help. However, Tradition Eleven reminds me that this is a personal choice. Some members may not be comfortable publicly declaring their participation in Nar-Anon; nor is any member required to declare their membership.

At a public level (press, radio, films, internet, and other forms of mass media), I should not preach or recruit. Nor should I be over zealous and try to drag my friends and family members to meetings. When I demonstrate a positive change and set a good example by handling my own problems in new ways, with grace, a positive attitude, and a more loving manner, it is this behavior that others will notice. When others see these positive changes happening in my life, they may be attracted to the program.

The second part of Tradition Eleven reminds me that I should always “guard with special care the anonymity of all NA members.” As a person who loves an addict, I may be proud of my recovering addict and want to share the addict’s success with others, by telling my friends with addicted loved ones “look what NA did for the addict.” This is not my place to do so, as the stigma of addiction could ruin the addict’s reputation, even after years of recovery. Only the addict has the right to tell others about what the NA program did for him or her, when the addict feels it is the appropriate time.

Thought for Today: I must remember actions speak louder than words. Before I tell people about Nar-Anon, I should be sure they ask.

“Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all N.A. members.” ~ Nar-Anon Tradition Eleven

Copyright 2007 Nar Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 21 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingUNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORWhen I think of unacceptable behavior, the first thing that ...
11/27/2025

November 21 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

When I think of unacceptable behavior, the first thing that comes to mind is the actions of the addict. I believed the addict’s behavior caused chaos and made my life unmanageable. It was easy for me to blame someone else for my unhappiness. The bills were not paid on time because the money was used for bail and the lawyer. I could not buy clothes for myself because I paid the traffic tickets, the pawnshop, and even the drug dealers.

After attending Nar-Anon meetings, reading the literature, and working the steps with my sponsor, I realized that I also had unacceptable behavior. I am the one who chose to pay the bail, the lawyer and the drug dealer. I chose not to buy myself clothes so money was available to ease the addict’s consequences from active using. I made choices that were unacceptable for me. It was easier for me to blame the addict. Blaming the addict was easier than taking responsibility for my own behavior. Blaming the addict was easier than recognizing that my behavior and actions were causing me to be unhappy.

In Nar-Anon, I learned to look at myself and be responsible for my behavior. I have choices and can choose my behavior (just as the addict does) that will make me happy. I can choose chaos or serenity. Unacceptable behavior is in the eyes of the beholder. My behavior and happiness are my responsibility.

Thought for Today: When I am pointing my finger and blaming someone else for my unhappiness, I need to look and see that my fingers are pointing back at me.

“I have a clear choice between life and death, between reality and fantasy, between health and sickness. I have to become responsible – responsible for mistakes as well as accomplishments.” ~ Eileen Mayhew

Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 20 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingFORGIVENESSWhen I first came to Nar-Anon, I heard a member share that when she fo...
11/27/2025

November 20 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

FORGIVENESS

When I first came to Nar-Anon, I heard a member share that when she forgave others it was a gift to herself. Before that, I always thought I forgave others as a favor to them. In Nar-Anon, I am learning that forgiveness is not a favor; it is something I do for myself. When I hang on to anger and resentment towards others, I am hurting myself. More often than not, the person I am angry with does not give me a second thought. I believe this is especially true if that person is in active addiction.

Today I try to practice forgiveness in those times when I am feeling hurt and abused by the actions of the addict. I remember the addict is sick. My resentment and anger toward the addict keeps me connected to the abuse which is now in the past. My angry thoughts and feelings toward that event keep me experiencing it over and over again. It also prevents me from experiencing serenity and peace.

Anger and resentments are not good for the addict or me. So today I will go to a meeting, I will talk about how I feel, I will ask for my Higher Power’s help to let it go and move on. Sometimes this process takes a long time, but if I keep going in the right direction, I will receive the serenity I am seeking.

Thought for Today: No matter how grievous the wrong, I need to forgive because my recovery is my first priority. I have no right to sit in judgment of others and when I forgive others for past harms, it is a double blessing.

“Life is an adventure in forgiveness.” ~ Norman Cousins

Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 19 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingPRAYER AND MEDITATIONBefore I came to Nar-Anon, I was angry. I worried all the ti...
11/27/2025

November 19 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

Before I came to Nar-Anon, I was angry. I worried all the time, and I was obsessed with the addict. I was always doing something for someone else, putting everyone else first, and neglecting myself. I needed to change because I was self-destructing. Over the years, I had many talks with myself, but I could not or would not forgive the addict. This attitude was making me ill. I was so angry and negative. I did not like myself. I was a whirling dervish, never quiet inside. Finally, I realized that I needed help.

I am so grateful that a friend, who also loved an addict, invited me to my first Nar-Anon meeting. When I first came to Nar-Anon, I still heard all the voices of martyrdom, but my Nar-Anon family modeled healthy behavior for me. They gave me the tools, courage and motivation to change my attitude and my life. They helped me find peace and serenity.

In Nar-Anon, I am learning about the power of prayer and meditation. I have learned how to meditate to deal with the insanity I am going through. I can meditate and clear my mind of obsessive thinking. Meditation is helping me to be relatively worry-free and helps me to find peace. My best learning experience happens when I am doing nothing. Through meditation, I am learning a better way to focus. It is helping me to change my behavior for the better. To me, meditation is a mind clearing experience. and it helps me find peace

Thought for Today: In Nar-Anon, I have grown and relapsed, but I am getting myself back through the loving presence of my Higher Power, which became real and alive in my life through prayer, meditation, and the voices of my Nar-Anon family.

“Our prayers are answered, our problems find solutions, our worries are eased, if we but attune ourselves to the message.” ~ Each Day a New Beginning – Daily Meditations for Women

Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 18 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingWHEN DO I NEED A MEETING?When I need some peace of mind.............................
11/27/2025

November 18 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

WHEN DO I NEED A MEETING?

When I need some peace of mind........................... I need a meeting.

When I don’t know what to do with my time.............. I need a meeting.

When I feel like splitting for a desert island............. I need a meeting.

When I think I don’t need a meeting........................ I need a meeting.

When I start thinking I can think for myself.............. I need a meeting.

When I am worried about everyone but myself........ I need a meeting.

When I think I can cut down because I have attended a meeting every night for a month I need a meeting.

When I start feeling guilty, sad, or lonely and “need time for myself”..
............................................................................... I need a meeting.

When a family member says, “You can afford to miss just this once in honor of your Aunt’s birthday” I need a meeting.

When the kids have been sick or my temper’s too quick,

When my head is in a fog and I am kicking the dog,

When I can’t find my reason, or it’s the changing of a season,

When things are good or they are bad, or I am happy or sad,

When I am falling in love, or can’t find my glove,

And it’s 20 below, or “that guy’s driving too slow!”

“This one’s driving me nuts,” I have squirrels in my guts,

If it’s starting to rain, if I am feeling no pain,

Got a zit on my face and a broken shoelace,

And I hear myself saying, “Yeah but...”
............................................................................. I need a meeting

Thought for Today: Meetings are one of the tools the Nar-Anon program gives to me. With these tools, I can find peace and serenity whether the addict is using or not.

“Our Nar-Anon Family Group meetings are a safe place where we can talk to others and express our feelings with members who share our common problems. …The peace we find in this fellowship has become our lifeline to serenity..”

~ The Nar-Anon Twelve Tools of Recovery

Copyright Nar-Anon Family Group America's Morning Headquarters

November 17 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingPRACTICING THE PROGRAMAs I sat on the patio one day, it appeared that everything ...
11/27/2025

November 17 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

PRACTICING THE PROGRAM

As I sat on the patio one day, it appeared that everything was wrapped in fog. It was grayish white, like old cotton batting that I used to get in a jewelry box when one of my great-aunts would give me a present. I was never sure what would be underneath that cotton. It was old, obviously recycled and reused, before it was fashionable. This great-aunt was a bit dotty. Sometimes she would box and gift-wrap odd things such as a broken pencil. Other times, it would be an old piece of costume jewelry, missing most of its faux pearls. Every once in a while, she would come through with a stunning piece of crystal or a gold brooch or a pair of earrings.

That day on the patio felt like that. I pondered: What is under this cotton batting fog? Will it be a broken dream such as thinking that my son is in recovery, a faux truth, or the real thing? Are truth, honesty and the priceless gold of recovery awaiting me today? I pray for my son’s recovery and I pray harder for my own.

After some time in the Nar-Anon fellowship, I know that I have to live in the here and now and not think about dreams and false realities. I have to work hard to accept the present, believing in a Higher Power who can bring me back to sanity. My son’s recovery depends on him. My recovery depends on my own spiritual awakening. If I trust my Higher Power, I will not fear whatever is underneath the cotton batting.

Thought for Today: Living one day at a time and trusting my Higher Power is my new way to live. I shall always remember this lesson.

"What you are is God's gift to you, what you do with yourself is your gift to God." ~ Leo Buscaglia

Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

November 16 Nar-Anon Daily SESH ReadingHALTThe acronym reminds me that when I am Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, I am n...
11/27/2025

November 16 Nar-Anon Daily SESH Reading

HALT

The acronym reminds me that when I am Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, I am not taking care of my needs. If I am enmeshed with my addicted loved one, I do not take care of myself.

I lived for the addict. When the addict was out using, I could not relax, enjoy a movie, read a book, or even take proper care of myself. I did not eat. I smoked cigarette after cigarette and played game after game of solitaire until I could not think or see the computer screen. I did not call anyone or share my feelings of anger and fear because I did not want to hear what they had to say or hear their advice for the hundredth time. I was hooked. I stayed in this state of tension and misery until the addict came home. I felt better, but then the whole cycle repeated itself with the next binge.

In Nar-Anon, I am learning that feeling good is my responsibility and my feelings should not be connected to the addict’s or anyone else’s behavior. I am learning how to be a healthier person who takes care of her physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional needs each day. Today, I start my day with prayer and meditation and end it with a prayer of gratitude. This helps me stay connected to my Higher Power. Through this contact, I take care of my own spiritual needs. I eat well, exercise and try to get enough sleep to take care of my physical needs. I read books for pleasure as well as Nar-Anon literature for recovery and I write to keep my mind active and focused on healthy thoughts. I cry when I feel sad, acknowledge my anger and disappointments, and work through my emotions with my sponsor and other friends in the program. In this way, I care for my emotional needs.

Thought for Today: It is my responsibility to take care of me. When I do this, I am not being selfish, but learning self-responsibility.

“Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s self-esteem.” ~ Unknown

Copyright 2007 Nar-Anon Family Group Headquarters

Address

North Vernon, IN
47265

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jennings County Nar-Anon Family posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Jennings County Nar-Anon Family:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

What’s Nar-Anon?

The Nar-Anon Family Groups is primarily for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone very near to you. We have traveled that unhappy road too, and found the answer with serenity and peace of mind.

When you come into the family group, you are no longer alone, but among true friends who understand your problem as few others could. We respect your confidence and anonymity as we know you will respect ours. We hope to give you the assurance that no situation is too difficult and no unhappiness is too great to be overcome.

Our program, which is not a religious one but a spiritual way of life, is based on the Twelve Steps of Nar-Anon. We've found that the working of these steps will bring the solution to practically any problem. We urge you to take this program and its twelve steps seriously. It has been as helpful to us as the Narcotics Anonymous program is to the addict. We only ask for the wisdom and courage to see ourselves as we really are, to do something about ourselves with the help of a Higher Power as we understand this, and for the grace to release our addicts with love and cease trying to change them.

Keep an open mind and attend as many meetings as possible. Feel free to share during the meeting. You may ask questions after the meeting. You'll soon make friends and will feel very much a part of the group.