“To thine own self be true.” – Shakespeare
On the back of every sober coin are the words, “To thine own self be true.” It is a phrase that has been around for centuries, with origins in Renaissance literature, and the idea behind it is just as relevant today as it ever was. In essence, this phrase encourages us to stay true to ourselves, to nurture our own personal sobriety and goals, and find our own paths in life. This idea has been expressed in various ways throughout history, by people such as Aristotle, Voltaire, and William Shakespeare, who famously wrote “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.”
At its core, “to thine own self be true” is about being honest with ourselves and what we want out of life. It encourages us to reflect on our values, beliefs, and goals and make decisions that align with them. The idea is that by staying true to ourselves, we won’t be swayed by external forces and will be able to make decisions that are truly in our best interests, regardless of the circumstances that may surround us.
At a time when social media, peer pressure, and expectations from others can make it difficult to stay true to ourselves in sobriety, this phrase serves as a helpful reminder of what matters. It encourages us to be aware of how the opinions and judgements of others can shape our decisions and encourages us to instead focus on our own wants and needs in recovery. It also encourages us to get to know ourselves better and be aware of our own strengths and weaknesses so that we can put ourselves in the best positions to be honest with ourselves.
Practicing “to thine own self be true” can lead to a variety of benefits, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, this phrase can encourage us to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. We can get to know ourselves better and gain more self-awareness and self-confidence, while also feeling more content with the life decisions we make. On a professional level, it can lead to improved decision-making, increased work satisfaction and productivity, and greater trust and openness in our relationships.
All in all, “to thine own self be true” is an important reminder for all of us in our own personal quests to remain sober and live a meaningful life. It is a reminder to stay true to ourselves, to stay honest and authentic in our decisions, and to stay mindful of our values and goals, one day at a time.
Thoughts for Today:
- Have I asked God to help me be true to Him and myself today?
- What does “to thine own self be true” mean to you personally?
Former Blackout Artist 