Dangerous Self-Deception

When we refuse to admit our powerlessness we are deceiving ourselves.
The lies we tell ourselves and others are familiar: "I can do this on my own", "I'm in control", and the famous "I can stop at any time". No matter what the addiction, without us being honest with ourselves we are closer into disaster.

"Myself" by Edgar A. Guest

I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be fit for myself to know,
I want to be able as days go by,
Always to look myself straight in the eyes;
I don't want to stand, with the setting sun,
And hate mysel for the things I have done.

I don't want to keep on a closet shelf,
A lot of secrets about myself,
And fool myself as I come and go,
Into thinking that nobody else will know
The kind of man/woman that I really am;
I don't want to dress up myself in a sham.

I want to go out with my head erect,
I want to deserve everyones' respect;
But here in the struggle for fame and pelf
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know,
I'm bluster and bluff and empty and slow.

I can never hide myself from me;
I see what others may not see;
I know what others may not know,
I never can fool myself, and so,
Whatever happens I want to be,
Self-respecting and conscience free.