The Principle of Honesty in Step 1

It’s January, and here at The GiftOfRecovery.com, we want to focus on the principle behind Step One: Honesty. Honesty is the quality of being honest, moral correctness, integrity, virtue, goodness, truthfulness and more…. Simply put, honesty is everything, and there is no start without it. Recovering from addiction requires that a person be completely and totally honest with him/her self, or there will be no recovery at all. We admit we are powerless, we get honest, and there is our starting point. Although painful and perhaps awkward and uncomfortable, honesty becomes our way of life in recovery. In the 12-step rooms, you often hear that we have to be rigorously honest, and honesty is one of the three essentials for moving forward in AA, next to open-mindedness and willingness.

There is something really cathartic and wonderful that happens when a person finally admits the truth and can breathe a big sigh of relief…. the truth always brings healing as it is The Way. The ONLY way.

Alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, and other spiritual maladies consume the person with dishonesty, and the lies become the warped way of living for many. So there is much relief when the truth is revealed, as dishonesty is a huge weight to carry and a difficult, painful way to live.

Everyone who works at Gift of Recovery had to get completely and totally honest, and that’s how WE all made that start in our recoveries. How do we keep it going? Well, living rigorously honest lives is essential. Although none of us are cured, and we are all oh-so-human, we strive to live our lives with the qualities of honesty, i.e., truth, integrity, morality, genuineness, straightforwardness, and sincerity. We love our customers here and will always serve you all with as much reliability and worthiness (also qualities of honesty) as we can every day. Our owner Kimberly is a fine example to us all here. She sets a great example of living in the spiritual principle of honesty by encouraging us always to be sincere and truthful and always to act like someone is watching, even when you’re alone!

A lot can be said about living an honest life, especially regarding character. It’s a wonderful feeling to be trusted and respected by our families, employers, and community, all because of honesty! From the principle of honesty, one can move from spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally broken to whole and healed in a very short time.

So here is an honest thank you to our customers and an encouragement if you need it……. be honest, be sincere, be truthful, and your life will change.

Embracing Honesty: The First Step of Recovery

The journey of recovery, especially within a 12-step program, begins with a single, yet profound, step: admitting powerlessness over addiction and acknowledging that our lives have become unmanageable. This initial step is deeply rooted in the principle of honesty, a cornerstone not just for the beginning of recovery but for the entire process and a life of sustained sobriety.

The Essence of Honesty in Recovery

Honesty in the context of recovery is multifaceted. It's not just about being truthful with others; it's about being truthful with oneself. This means confronting the denial that so often accompanies addiction. Denial is a formidable adversary, built up over years of substance abuse, convincing us that we have control, that we can stop anytime we want, that our addiction doesn't affect our lives or the people around us as much as they claim. The first step shatters this illusion, demanding a level of self-honesty that can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Why Honesty Matters

1. Foundation for Trust: Honesty builds trust, not only within oneself but also with others. By being honest, we lay a foundation for relationships that are based on trust and integrity, which are essential for support and healing.

2. Self-Awareness: Honesty fosters self-awareness. It allows us to see our limitations, recognize our patterns of denial, and understand the impact of our addiction on our lives and the lives of others.

3. Opens the Door to Help: By admitting we are powerless and that our lives have become unmanageable, we open ourselves up to seeking and accepting help. This vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness, allowing us to embrace the support and guidance necessary for recovery.

4. Prevents Relapse: Honesty is a crucial tool in preventing relapse. By maintaining an honest appraisal of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, we can identify potential triggers and address them proactively.

Practicing Honesty

Practicing honesty begins with small, daily commitments to oneself and others. It involves regular self-reflection and, often, sharing in support groups or with a sponsor. This process can be challenging, as it requires constant vigilance against the return of denial and self-deception. However, it is through this practice that we find growth, healing, and eventually, a new way of living.

The Ripple Effect of Honesty

The impact of practicing honesty extends far beyond the individual. It affects every relationship and interaction, creating a life that is more authentic, meaningful, and connected. Honesty in recovery not only transforms the individual but also has the potential to heal and inspire others.