Being Entirely Honest

Reflections on Miranda Hart’s new book.

Miranda Hart’s latest book, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest With You, is a moving, witty, and deeply insightful journey into her experiences through chronic illness. In the book, she introduces readers to her "Ten Treasures"—principles she believes are crucial for health and wholeness, ranging from self-compassion and connection to creativity and joy. Whilst her irreverent wit runs through the book, she is also extremely vulnerable in sharing the challenges she faced and the discoveries she made which have paved her way to recovery.

I particularly enjoyed how she explores the physiological benefits of reconnecting with our childlike sense of playfulness and fun, in place of us serious grown-ups being, well, serious and grown-up. Inspired by this, I found myself cartwheeling and skipping through the woods, just like my 8 year old self would have done (I’m now a forty-something responsible mother of 3, for the record!). It was a liberating experience that reminded me how nourishing it is to embrace playfulness, and I felt marvellous afterwards!

Miranda’s book (she reads the audiobook so I’d recommend listening!) reminded me that peace and joy are vital ingredients for health. In a world of striving, to do lists and chronic stress this is a message that I think all of us need to hear. Its honesty, vulnerability and insightful ‘Treasures’ are relevant to anyone and offer a precious way for us to explore being entirely honest with ourselves.

#joy #mental health #books #chronicfatigue #chronicillness

Written by Clare Sharpen