In this series, I’m using the word THRIVING as an acrostic to discuss what leads to a thriving life. In the first article, we talked about “taking responsibility,” and I provided a challenge to you to take responsibility of an area of life you’ve not properly dealt with.

Today let’s talk about the letter H for HONESTY AND HUMILITY.

I still remember walking into my first twelve step meeting at a local church and being stunned by the raw honesty that I encountered.

I’d hear people introducing themselves in the meetings, saying things like “Hi, I’m Jim, and I struggle with alcohol addiction” or “Hi, I’m Melissa, and I struggle with codependence and depression” or “Hi, I’m Paul and I struggle with pornography and gambling addiction.”

Here were people that were not afraid to take off their masks and be honest about who they were and what they were struggling with.

One of the many powerful sayings that I heard over and over again at these meetings was: “You’re as sick as your secrets.”

What this basically means is that the more someone stays in the dark about their own personal struggles, the more those struggles hold power over them and their lives spiritually and emotionally.

Now, you may be wondering why I’m sharing this and why I was even going to these meetings.

Well, in the spirit of honesty, I’ve had my own personal challenges and a big part of my own personal journey of healing involved going to twelve step meetings years ago. I gained so much healing, insight, and wisdom from these twelve step meetings. And it all started with an honest conversation with a friend who challenged me to check out one of these meetings at a local church.

So yes, I know what it’s like to suffer in pain and darkness.

What about you…have a struggle, difficulty or unfulfilled goals that is bothering you?

Have you ever opened up with anyone (a friend, counselor, coach, mentor, or other) and/or sought help for this?

What feelings does this bring up? Frustration, anger, pain, despair, resentment…maybe even hopelessness?

You might be thinking “How on earth do I even get started?”

Well, we must humble ourselves and be honest about what’s actually going on inside.

Honest and humility are sister virtues.

In order to truly be humble, we must be honest. And…in order to be truly honest, we must be humble.

And that’s exactly where the twelve steps start. The first step is to admit the following to ourselves: “We admitted we were powerless over [pick whatever hurt, habit, or hangup you may be struggling with] – and that our lives had become unmanageable.”

Now, you might be thinking..”Wait a sec, I don’t have any addictions or severe issues! What does this have to do with me?”

I’d submit that even for you, the same principles apply. If you have any struggles, difficulties, and challenges, you still have to get honest and humble about what you’re dealing with in order to be an overcomer.

Summary:

What leads to a thriving life is taking responsibility of our lives by honestly and humbly admitting to ourselves where we fall short, struggle, or need help.

Putting it into Practice:

Take some time this week to get humble and honest with yourself and and ask yourself: What’s an area of struggle for me? (If you’re drawing a blank, consider asking someone who knows you well for feedback).

Ask yourself: what can I do to face this issue and deal with it?

I know this isn’t easy! If you need help with this, reach out to me and let’s have a conversation!

Let’s go THRIVE, shall we?

Sean