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FEBRUARY 12

HONESTY

MENTAL BALANCE

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.”

Thomas Jefferson

Honesty means more than simply telling the truth when prompted. Honesty means the acknowledgment of my chronic pain, addiction, and character defects. Honesty was perhaps the first spiritual principle I practiced when I admitted that maybe I had a problem with addiction. I practiced honesty when I looked at the unmanageability that abusing medication and acting on negative behaviors caused in my life and the lives of those I loved. Honesty is continuously required of me in my twelve-step work— otherwise the steps do not work.

Honesty, and my perception of its meaning, continues to evolve as I grow in pain recovery. The truth sets me free of my pain. In chronic pain and active addiction, those around me expected me to lie about how I was feeling to get what I needed. In recovery, those around me expect me to be honest about how I’m feeling and what I’m doing to get what I need.

I view honesty as a way to keep my mind, body, and spirit clear and free. I no longer view honesty as a duty, but an opportunity for growth. I welcome the expectation of honesty from those who support me in pain recovery.