Every alcoholic is familiar with the phrase, “To thine own self be true.”
It sounds meaningful, and looks great on our medallions.
But it’s so much more than a snappy sounding tagline that makes great key chains.Over the years I’ve been oblivious to its meaning.
I’ve already established here that I suffer from OCD, and the older I get, the more pronounced it becomes. No, I don’t wash my hands all the time. It actually manifests itself when I find something interesting or compelling.
My pathology obliges me to research it…I can’t help myself.
So in the spirit of that compulsion, here’s what I found about To Thine Own Self Be True:
This phrase is one of the countless famous quotes coined by William Shakespeare.
In Act I, Scene III of Hamlet, Polonius says:
“This above all: to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day.
Thou canst not then be false to any man/Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!”
The first meaning is that someone can better judge himself if he has done what he should or could have done.
The second meaning is that one must be honest in his ways and relations.
The third meaning is that one must always do the right thing.
Finally, this advice to his son meant that he must think of his own benefit first.
These pearls of wisdom from Shakespeare are about living a good and balanced life.
One of my character defects (and I have a couple) is hubris.
Just when I think I’m such a serene and spiritual hot shot, some ridiculous little thing sends me over the edge, & whips me into a lather ( some days it doesn’t take much). Suddenly I’m no longer Mr. Recovery. Fortunately, I’m usually alone in my car so no one can hear my profane rants.
A long time ago I reached the conclusion I’ll never be normal: Hey, it’s not like I’m on a rooftop with a rifle – I’m just annoying.
No matter how hard I try, no matter how many self-help books I read or seminars I attend – I’m damaged goods.
The good news is I’m aware of it, and I conveniently fit right in Alcoholics Anonymous.
I’ve resigned myself to dealing with my imperfections on a day-to-day basis. They’re no longer the elephant in the room.
HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY:
Even though my daily prayers include a petition to be relieved of my character defects, they’re still there. They’ll always be there. Just as Gilligan will always be on that crazy island, I’ll always have to deal with my shortcomings.
God doesn’t completely remove them: He gives me the tools to cope.
My Higher Power is wise, just, and has a sense of humor. I must provide Him with endless hours of amusement.
Let’s face it: if all my shortcomings were immediately eradicated, I’d no longer be the stimulating and charming guy I am today…
Did I mention grandiosity is another of my character defects?