The Truth Will Set You Free

There's something to be said about the phrase, "The truth will set you free."

I needed some freedom in my soul. And being honest was the answer. Being honest is something I am not very good at because I'm so polite. My husband may have referred to it as "painfully polite" once or twice. I smile through most things and go out of my way (waaaay out of my way) to help make things better for others. I'm someone who would rather be hurt myself than see someone else hurt and will support someone's direction, even if I think it's terrible.

I also let people walk on me a lot. Let them trample all over my truth. But I've hit a breaking point. That point was right around the time of my last post. Perhaps I had a slight mental breakdown...but I felt like it led to some life-changing revelations. 

After feeling I was in the lowest of my lows, I knew something had to give. I couldn't keep letting others drag me into their negativity for the sake of being perceived as "polite." I also couldn't keep allowing myself to take the backseat in my own life to please everyone around me. It was time to get honest. With myself, and most certainly with those that were dragging me down.

I had some really difficult conversations with people I really respect. And you know what? It made things better. The clouds parted. I felt relieved and mutual respect was gained. Addressing the negativity honestly shed light on things the other people didn't even realize existed, or were getting as bad as they were. And I even stood up for myself and what I wanted. That felt good. Steps to make things better were discussed, hugs were dealt, and even better, I felt the atmosphere shift for the better almost immediately.

The honest conversations that I forced myself to have with...myself...were the hardest and will be on-going. I felt very empowered by being "the bigger person" that I wanted to be (leading with action) and by sticking up for what I needed (living my truth). But, after my honesty soaked soul-cleansing...there were points when I felt a little too empowered. In those moments, Tim McGraw's song 'Humble and Kind' came into my mind (God bless that man). I'm now trying to find balance between being polite and being honest. Being kind and having a spine. Being who I am and sticking up for it.

How do you think being a little more honest could help you right now? All I have to say is that if there is something really bothering you, don't let it fester, don't take it out on others, don't take it out on yourself. Acknowledge that something is wrong and consider whether or not a little honesty with someone else...or yourself...is needed. Live your life with gentle honesty in all of your interactions, big and small. I'm sure going to try.