Sunday, April 22, 2007

Faking It

In recovery, we're sometimes advised to "fake it until you make it." But how can anything false really lead us to recovery? Aren't we told that this is an honest program?

We're not being dishonest by pushing ourselves to become actively involved in AA. The self-help movements have told us for years that we have to form an image of what we want to be in order to reach our goals. We are forming an image that corresponds to the sober people we want to be. We are actually rehearsing sober living and working to accept a picture of sobriety in our heart of hearts.

There's also much to be said for "faking it" enough to attend meetings and to try to benefit from association with people -- even those we don't like. This puts us in line for the change we really need.
WALK IN DRY PLACES, April 22

I find this to be true for many other aspects of my new life, not just in abstinence from alcohol. How 'bout you?

7 comments:

Syd said...

Having spent my life putting on a brave face and faking happiness, I am not wanting to fake anything anymore. I want to associate with those who are working their program and who are open about what works for them and what doesn't. My desire is to live life with as much fervor as I can, embracing the good and the bad. Thanks for a great thought for the day.

Mary Christine said...

It is important for me to take action, even when I don't feel like it. I don't think there is any dishonesty there.

Scott M. Frey said...

yea, what do they say... we have to act our way, or live our way into better thinking. I think that is what fake it til you make it means. If ya want what we got, do what we do and worry about the details later!

Pammie said...

I have to agree with Mary Christine. For me, Fake it till you Make it...means taking the action...meetings, calling another alcoholic..etc. even when I don't feel like it. It's amazing how going to a meeting that I don't feel like going to...usually results in me hearing something that I really needed to hear.

lushgurl said...

I was told to "act as if" once, meaning if I wanted to be happy, joyous and free, I could act that way until it came to me! I guess that is kinda fakin' it? I do think that action in the program helps me get there too...
HUGS

Todd HellsKitchen said...

It's a version of Positive Thinking... What you think and say you are, you become... I do this as often as possible. Sometimes better at it than other times...

lash505 said...

I never understood that, nor did I want too.