The Marvelous Liberation of Being Honest

???????????????????Is anyone totally honest? Is it even appropriate for one to be honest always? I began to think more about the importance of honesty as I began to examine myself openly and without prejudice. To do this I had to be honest with myself. It seems as if it is always easier to judge someone else. But, to objectively assess oneself, ?that’s ?something that many people find extremely difficult to do.

My pursuit of honesty was instigated by my strong desire to understand who we are and where we come from. Humans are too quick to allow miracles to become normalized. Life on Earth, the law of gravity, planets spinning around us, and even child birth are amazing acts that, to most humans, simply have become mundane. I wanted to know the meaning of it all and , in doing so, experience personal growth and harmony. First thing I learned was that I had to be able to handle the truth. I learned that by simply embracing truth and honesty, I could have a fuller and more appreciative understanding of life. ?I’ve come to understand that honesty, being honest, is essential to living a full and harmonious life.

Why is it so difficult to always be honest?

“ I’m always honest”? ”I never lie”, some may be saying. Well, I have a question for you. How are you? This just might be the most asked question in history. How do you respond?? “just fine thank you”. Internal hell could be going on in your body, mind, and soul and you still reply “just fine”. Why? Why do we lie about how we are doing? It is because we are afraid and ashamed of the truth. Be honest with yourself right now. Every time we lie about our condition causes a level of stress , as if you are about to be discovered. Everyone knows that not everyone is fine all the time. Liberation happens when we tell the truth. It is almost magical. Stress is released and you are ready to receive the good that’s coming your way. Perhaps even from the person who asked how you were! Your relationships will deepen and strengthen. You will really get to know the other person.

?

How being truthful can transform lives

When you have nothing to hide there is no fear of it being discovered. I’ve never run for political office but if I did, I would open up my “closet” and reveal all my “skeletons” upfront. I would be an open book, totally transparent. No fear of what the press might uncover. No worry about blackmail from the opposition. I would just tell the truth, take it or leave it. There is no need to fear honesty. I already mentioned that more honesty equals less stress. This means a healthier and happier you. “Well, what if my if my wife asks me how she looks in a dress which is two sizes too small for her?” Here too honesty is the best policy. Said in the right way, could help create the motivation she needs to pay closer attention to what she eats and to walk or ride a bike more often. Of course this goes for the men out there too.

?

?

?Understanding Honesty

Just what is ?honesty. The definition of the word “honest” according to Dictionary.com is truthful; ethical; fair; not lying or cheating: It also mentions the words “sincere” and “frank”. Remember Billy Joel’s song “Honesty”? “Honesty, such a lonely word. Everyone is so untrue. Honesty its hardly ever ?heard, but mostly what I need from you”? Just because some people don’t want to hear the truth doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be truthful. It may take a little practice but you will get used to telling the truth. Like the baseball umpire calling the balls and strikes. He just calls them as he sees them.

?

Honesty and Business

Honest dealings ?are not only key to your personal life, but it is ?central to a ?corporation's core values. There is nothing hidden that wont be revealed by the light. In business lies are tied to the desire for money. A famous quote from the Bible says “ what does it profit a man (or woman) if he gains the whole world but loses his soul.” DO you know what it is to lose your soul? You become a shell. You feel alone. You feel like you can trust no one. There is no joy in your morning or when you go to sleep. There is a bottomless hole that you are always trying to fill but just cant.? Good relationships, a solid reputation and knowledge and information are more valuable than money. Don’t let obsession with money shape your life and keep you from being true.

?

?Breaking Chains: Liberation Through Honesty

Yes, I want to be free, walk with a clear conscience, and have fuller and more meaningful relationships. I want to excel in my career, but I’m just not there yet. Well, like me, you will have to put in the time and learn from experience, sometimes rough and tough experiences. Here’s some things I’ve learned, I mean am learning.

-Be truthful to yourself, embrace your vulnerability and grow in self-acceptance

-Overcome fear and shame. Most of it is in YOUR head. Everyone experiences self-doubt.

-Get healing through transparency. Open up

-Build trust and intimacy through actions and examples

-Resolve conflicts through open communication which means speaking AND listening

-Create a culture of honesty and accountability. Be responsible.

?-Promote transparency at home, in the workplace, and in your government agencies

?-Challenge social norms and promote authenticity. Don’t be afraid to go against the current

?

?

Conclusion

Yes. Being honest is truly liberating. “Truthful”, “Honesty”, “Sincerity” ?are more than just words, they are the keys to true happiness. This is a lifelong journey. It may take a while to get it. You may have to suffer, but believe me, this is what you are looking for and don’t let anything or anyone ?keep you from the freedom that true honesty brings.

?