Aloha All...I've got both of the boards I participate with in on this one.
Honesty seems to be the asset of focus at the moment and I am (and have for a while) listening for feedback from others in recovery for their perceptions; ESH. I will be grateful. Take your time and keep and open mind with good recovery memory. practice, practice, practice!!
For me, rigorous honesty is essential purely for my own peace of mind, and it is up to each individual and their conscience as to how honest they want or need to be.
This little story from one of our (now deceased) oldtimers and founder member of AA in Barnsley. Dennis was a successful businessman, as was his AA sponsor. I am sure it is common knowledge that many a business thrives on 'dodgy deals' at times.
Dennis hit a point when he was sober where he wasn't feeling so good, couldn't sleep and was generally not at peace with himself. He went to his sponsor and told him this, and his sponsor asked him, 'SO, what's happening then? How's the business? Still doing the odd backhander jobs? Dennis said yes he was, and his sponsor told him he should stop doing that, since it seemed that this is what was bothering him.
Dennis replied. 'But YOU do backhander jobs!' to which his sponsor replied, 'YES, I do, but it doesn't bother MY conscience'
We all know someone who (by our way of thinking) isn't being totally honest, but at the end of the day, if they can live with it, then it's up to them. I know that if ever I tell lies or become deceitful, my conscience won't let me rest.
Dunno if this is the kinda response you wanted, but this is my idea of rigorous honesty, if it bothers my conscience it's dishonest, and another thing I was told in early days 'You are as sick as your secrets.
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Serenity is Wanting what you have, not having what you want
Always remember non-alcoholic beers are for NON-ALCOHOLICS
Funny you mention this, because NOT listening to and forgetting my own TRUTHS is what got me back out there.
The 4 Absolutes are helping me right now.
And asking myself the questions, about each matter that comes up during the day, "Is it true or is it false?" "Is it right or is it wrong?" and "How will it affect the other guy/gal?"
Honesty, as you knowm is no longer just cash register honesty. We live inside a brain that tells us lies and lies and lies, no matter how long we have stayed sober. And since I live inside a HEAD full of lies just like a big portable campling trailer on top my head, I have to HAVE to HAVE TO incorporate the company of others and their feedback every day.
Alone, I believe the lies. Together, WE discover the truth, and we work together to shine a big fat light bulb square ON the TRUTHS and the LIES!!!!
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
