Quote:
August 02, 2014
Practicing honesty
Page 224
"When we feel trapped or pressured, it takes great spirtual and emotional strength to be honest."
Basic Text, p. 81
Many of us try to wiggle out of a difficult spot by being dishonest, only to have to humble ourselves later and tell the truth. Some of us twist our stories as a matter of course, even when we could just as easily tell the plain truth. Every time we try to avoid being honest, it backfires on us. Honesty may be uncomfortable, but the trouble we have to endure when we are dishonest is usually far worse than the discomfort of telling the truth.
Honesty is one of the fundamental principles of recovery. We apply this principle right from the beginning of our recovery when we finally admit our powerlessness and unmanageability. We continue to apply the principle of honesty each time we are faced with the option of either living in fantasy or living life on its own terms. Learning to be honest isn't always easy, especially after the covering up and deception so many of us practiced in our addiction. Our voices may shake as we test our newfound honesty. But before long, the sound of the truth coming from our own mouths settles any doubts: Honesty feels good! It's easier living the truth than living a lie.
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.
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Honesty has many layers, the deeper we look into we we really are, more is revealed. So many times we think we are who other people say we are, other times we think we are who want to be, and the we get honest, and a whole new picture evolves. It is a program of practice, practice, practice. Just when we think we have it made and know it all, we find ourselves back practicing, practicing, practicing.