As I've strolled - and stumbled, fallen, gotten up again - the journey of life, I've found three principles that have served as guiding lights, illuminating my path toward fulfillment, serenity, and purpose. Honesty, openness, and willingness support not only my sobriety but also my pursuit of having a life of authenticity and meaning.
The Power of Honesty
Honesty, is often regarded as the cornerstone of integrity and is defined as a commitment to truthfulness in thought, word, and action.Being honest means my facing reality head-on, even when the truths uncovered may be uncomfortable or challenging.
In my sobriety, honesty plays a pivotal role in acknowledging my alcoholism and recognizing its impact on my life. By being honest, I was pushed to confront the lies and rationalizations that came with my alcoholism. By embracing honesty, I was able to begin my transformative journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. It really laid the groundwork for my recovery. Which is probably the reason it's number one of the twelve steps!
Beyond addiction, or alcoholism in my case, honesty helps me foster real and genuine connections with other people because it brought about deeper trust, respect, and intimacy in my relationships. When I'm being authentic I develop deeper bonds and understanding. I'm much more connected!
Openness
Openness, is bascially a willingness to explore, learn, and grow. Being open has infused my life with a sense of curiosity and possibility. By embracing my vulnerability and giving up the constraints of fear and judgment, there's been a free flow of ideas, emotions, and experiences pouring into my life.
In sobriety, opening my mind to new perspectives and coping skills has been a real catalyst for transformation! Being open allows me to change and to explore alternative paths toward healing and recovery.
In general, openness enriches my life and expands my horizons. I'm able to embrace diversity, . have more empathy and compassion, and connect with others on a deeper level. I feel a part of community and our shared humanity. As different as we are, we're all still the same - human.
The Willingness to Embrace Change
Willingness, has been the driving force behind my own personal growth and transformation. It makes me feel ready to take action and embrace the unknown. Having willingness, I am able to step outside of my comfort zones, confront challenges, and persevere in the face of adversity.
In sobriety, willingness empowers me with determination and resilience. By being willing I am able to embrace change, reach out for support, and cultivate healthy habits and coping strategies.
Willingness basically enables me to navigate life's twists and turns with grace and resilience. With willingness I pursue my passions with courage and conviction. It's like a super power!
The Path to Serenity, Joy, and Purpose
Being honest, open, and willing, has put me on a path - a transformative journey toward a life of serenity, joy, and purpose.
By embracing honesty, I now have a foundation of authenticity and integrity, and I have deeper connections with people and richer experiences.
Through being open to life, I embrace the beauty of vulnerability and the richness of human connection. Openness expands my horizons and invites new possibilities into my life.
And through willingness, I harness the power of resilience and determination! I am able to move toward my truest self and the fulfill my deepest dreams and aspirations.
In essence, honesty, openness, and willingness are not just virtues; they're guiding principles in my journey of sobriety and a life of meaning and fulfillment. By embracing these qualities, I not only have broken free from the chains of addiction but they've helped me unlock the door to a world of infinite possibilities!
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A side note - my arms are SUPER dry all the time. I have that paper thin Irish skin and it's getting thinner and more papery! I really don't want my tattoo getting all wrinkly!
I finally found my fave cream for my face, arms and all over that's super moisturizing. I went to a high end boutique to ask what would help. I didn't want to spend a couple of hundred on a small tube of their cream, but the kind sales person told me a secret - their best hydrating lotions have mineral oil. I went on Amazon and found an excellent cream WITH mineral oils! LOVE it!! Now Barry uses it too and his face doesn't flake anymore. It's CeraVe SA Cream. CeraVe has a bunch of creams and lotions, but I know this one definitely has mineral oils and I use it all the time now!
Shameless promotion! lol - But, HONESTLY, I do use Cerave SA and love it.
Check it out on Amazon:
