Essential Change

We must change if we are to recover. Change begins with honesty. As we work the fourth step, we develop a new ability to see our own dishonesty and a greater willingness to live by truth. ~ The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous (Kindle Locations 347-348)

Seeing my dishonesty. The lying?
I’ve always known that is
even when it felt there was adequate cause…
just cause. Righteousness. But it’s a lie.
The lie and the justification.
But the other dishonesty.
There are the lies of omission.
The things the other has a right to know
but you’re chicken (or chicken-sh**)
and fearful to tell the truth.
Hiding your hurt or your feelings,
cheating yourself by acting as if it’s okay.
Lies to myself. I’m too stupid, not okay,
unworthy, clumsy, ugly, lower than.
But I can be honest when I face the fear.
I can be honest and accept the truth.
And doing that I can grow, I can change…
I can become who I want to become.

atlas