May 6

INTEGRITY MONTH: DAY 6: “I want us all to grow so comfortable in our own feelings, our own knowing, our own imagination that we become more committed to our own joy, freedom, and integrity than we are to manipulating what others think of us. I want us to refuse to betray ourselves. Because what the world needs now in order to evolve is to watch one woman at a time live her truest, most beautiful life without asking for permission or offering explanation.”― Glennon Doyle

Integrity demands that we become authentic. This is why Step 4 represents Honesty and Step 5 represents Integrity, as I see them. If I cannot become honest with myself, I will have no integrity. It is not possible to embrace one without the other.

As I learn to own myself, with every variety of personality trait, every aspect of my life, I can allow myself the freedom to embrace the totality of ME and give myself permission to just BE who I am. If I have not yet learned how to do this without dressing it up and putting a pretty spin on it, I can not become integral. It is not possible.

Steps 4 and 5 are the gateway, just like the BB says. Through this “arch” we walk toward freedom. And that comes in the following steps.

But first I must become completely and radically honest with myself. Or I am doomed to play the same manipulative games that the world demands when I am trying to be other than who I am. I see this in so many, many people and it is sad and infuriating at the same time. So many games! So many stories! So much wasted time (and life!) And there are so many regrets by those who live like this. I allow the mirrors to push me on toward the authenticity and integrity my heart longs for.