Practicing honesty
“When we feel trapped or pressured, it takes great spiritual 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: 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.