SELF-HONESTY
Recovery Einstein's Big Book perspective on the AA Daily Reflection for April 18.
Self-honesty is the bedrock of our recovery. The Big Book tells us that our drinking problem was rooted in a deep dishonesty with ourselves—we insisted we could control alcohol when we couldn't. On page 30 it says, 'We were having trouble with personal relationships, we couldn't control our emotional natures, we were a prey to misery and depression... we were unable to be honest with ourselves.' That admission, Step One, cracks open the door. Later, in Chapter 5, we are told 'the first requirement is that we be convinced that any life run on self-will can hardly be a success' [Page 60]. Self-will is the liar that says 'I can handle this one drink.' Rigorous honesty—admitting our powerlessness, our resentments, our fears—is the daily practice that keeps us free. It's not just about drinking; it's about being honest in all our affairs. As the Promises assure us, 'We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us,' and that begins with telling ourselves the unvarnished truth [Page 84].
Is there an area of my life today where I'm pretending to be in control when I'm actually struggling? What would it look like to be fully honest with myself about that?
Start each day with Einstein's Big Book perspective — a quiet moment before the world gets loud.
This is Recovery Einstein's original Big Book perspective on the day's theme — not the official AA Daily Reflections text. For the official reflection, follow the aa.org link above. Page references are to Alcoholics Anonymous (the Big Book), 4th Edition.
Quick answers
What is the AA Daily Reflection for April 18?
The theme for April 18 is “Self-Honesty.” Self-honesty is the bedrock of our recovery.
Is there an area of my life today where I'm pretending to be in control when I'm actually struggling? What would it look like to be fully honest with myself about that?
As the Promises assure us, 'We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us,' and that begins with telling ourselves the unvarnished truth [Page 84]. (Big Book: Chapter 3, pages 30-31 and Chapter 5, page 60)