“The plain truth is that honesty is critical to the moral fiber of every individual. Experts agree that people who are honest feel better about themselves. They are able to enjoy stronger friendships, are more successful in school and in other pursuits and, in the long run, have deeper, happier marriages. It is from honesty that so many other desirable traits spring forth.” ~ Betsy Brown Braun
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
“Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life – all areas of life. The really good news is that anyone can develop both honesty and integrity.” ~ Zig Ziglar
“Honesty is the best policy.” ~ Benjamin Franklin
“It is discouraging how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.” ~ Noel Coward
What does it mean to ‘speak and live your truth’? Sure we have all heard the phrase at one time or another. Yet, what does it mean to you?
What I have come to learn over the last several years is that it means being honest with yourself and others about who you are. Honest about what your likes and dislikes are, what your passions are, what your dreams are, what your needs are, what your boundaries are, what inspires you, what your strengths weaknesses are, what makes you cry, what makes you laugh, what your values are, what your fears are, what makes you happy, and ultimately your story, which makes you uniquely you.
It means having the freedom to live your life as you choose, from a place of self-love and loving kindness towards others.
So what stops us from this level of honesty being an integral part of our being?
FEAR
We are afraid of what others will think of us. We are afraid of being ashamed, we are afraid of judgment, we are afraid of hurting someone else’s feelings, we are afraid of being found out, we are afraid of ridicule, we are afraid of someone else’s reaction, we are afraid of rejection, we are afraid of not being loved.
So what do we do? We pretend, we lie, we fake, we cover up, we hide and we live a life desperately looking for something outside of ourselves to fill a void only truth can fill.
When we start to get honest with ourselves and others about our truth, a whole new world of possibilities can open up for us. The key is to do it with loving kindness, free of blame, shame, resentment, guilt, or anger.
What is your truth and are you being honest with yourself and others about it? Are you living it? If not what is holding you back?
This week dare to be yourself, to speak and live your truth.
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