02 August 2024
Practicing honesty
Page 224
"When we feel trapped or pressured, it takes great spiritual and emotional strength to be honest."
Basic Text, p. 85
Just for Today: Today I will honestly embrace life, with all its pressures and demands. I will practice honesty, even when it is awkward to do so. Honesty will help, not hurt, my efforts to live clean and
recover.
Embracing Honesty
A Pillar of True Recovery
Honesty is more than a mere virtue—it's a cornerstone of personal growth and recovery. For many, it is an elusive quality, especially when life becomes overwhelming. The temptation to sidestep the truth can be strong when we feel cornered, but the strength required to be honest, even under pressure, is immense. In recovery, this strength is not just valuable but essential.
The Pitfalls of Dishonesty
It's a common reflex to seek shortcuts in times of difficulty, and dishonesty often seems like the path of least resistance. However, this approach is fraught with complications. Lying or twisting the truth might offer temporary relief, but it invariably leads to more trouble. The discomfort of facing the truth pales in comparison to the complexities and stress that come from maintaining a façade. Each untruth we tell eventually unravels, forcing us to confront our own duplicity and causing greater embarrassment and hardship in the process.
Honesty: The Bedrock of Recovery
Honesty is integral to the recovery process. From the very beginning, recovery demands that we confront our own vulnerabilities and admit our powerlessness over our addiction. This admission is not a sign of weakness but a critical step towards genuine recovery. As we continue on this journey, we face numerous moments where the choice is between living authentically or retreating into illusion. In these moments, the courage to be honest becomes a measure of our commitment to change.
For those who have navigated the treacherous waters of addiction, the shift towards honesty can be challenging. Many of us have grown accustomed to covering up and deceiving ourselves and others. When we first start to speak the truth, our voices might tremble, and our confidence might waver. Yet, as we persist, we find that honesty not only eases our journey but also fosters a profound sense of relief and empowerment.
Living Truthfully
Embracing honesty is not about perfection; it's about striving for integrity even when it feels uncomfortable. Each day, we have the opportunity to practice honesty in our interactions and decisions. By choosing to be truthful, we align ourselves with our true selves and make our recovery process more manageable. Honesty helps us build trust, both with ourselves and with those around us, creating a more solid foundation for lasting change.
Just for Today
As you navigate your day, remember that embracing honesty is a choice with far-reaching benefits. Commit to facing life’s pressures and demands with a genuine approach. Though honesty may feel awkward or challenging, it ultimately supports your recovery journey. Embracing the truth is not merely a practice; it's a promise to yourself that you are worthy of living clean and true to your values.
By grounding your actions in honesty, you honor your commitment to recovery and foster a life of authenticity and fulfillment.