It would be tragic to write [out an inventory only to] shove it in a drawer. These defects grow in the dark and die in the light of exposure.
Basic Text, p. 32
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How many times have we heard it said that we are only as sick as our secrets? While many members choose not to use meetings to share the intimate details of their lives, it is important that we each discover what works best for us. What about those behaviors we have carried into our recovery that, if discovered, would cause us shame? How much are we comfortable disclosing, and to whom? If we are uncomfortable sharing some details of our lives in meetings, to whom do we turn?
We have found the answer to these questions in sponsorship. Although a relationship with a sponsor takes time to build, it is important that we come to trust our sponsor enough to be completely honest. Our defects only have power as long as they stay hidden. If we want to be free of those defects, we must uncover them. Secrets are only secrets until we share them with another human being.
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Just for today: I will uncover my secrets. I will practice being honest with my sponsor.
I share honestly with my sponsor. He knows things about me that I don't share at meeting or tell other people. It is important for him to know these things, so he can give me helpful feedback.
I've learned it's helpful to talk about the junk that surfaces AS IT SURFACES with my sponsor. I've had to do fewer 4th steps/5th steps that way. Living honestly has been my best tool so far! Thank God for sponsors! :)
