Today’s Thought: Owning Up is a Sign of Strength

There’s always time. . .to own up to things you’re ashamed of, to change them. There’s always time to start. And I think the starting is the most important thing. It takes courage. It takes a lot more courage than any vain feat of arms, let me tell you. It takes a lifetime to become a fool, and only a moment to begin to become wise. ~ Peter Danielson

Owning up to things that one has done wrong, failed, or hurt someone is the foundation to the 12-step programs. It takes courage to admit one is addicted. It takes courage to admit to others when it is one’s fault. Owning up is opposite of the much of the spin we see on news shows or read in the digital media. Instead, we hear convoluted explanations, denials, and lies. Rarely do we hear, “Yes, I did it. I was wrong. Forgive me.” Admission is seen as a sign of weakness. It is not weakness, it is a display of personal strength, courage, and commitment to right the wrong.