Honesty

Would you describe yourself as honest? Do others describe you as honest?
What about an honest days work? Can you say honestly that you put one in?
Are you honest with yourself? Or do you sometimes lie to YOU?

I was discussing a project with a colleague this week who mentioned the term 'radical honesty' as he had attended a workshop on the topic. A quick google search tells me that this is a concept, which has been researched and developed by Brad Blanton Ph.D, which seeks allow people to develop deeper connections by not lying, by speaking what is on your mind, out loud as a way to reduce stress. Think about it. When we are holding on to a lie, what does this do to our body? It creates stress. We cannot relax. We think we do, but really we don't. When you do lie, how do you feel afterwards?

The term got me thinking about honesty and what it means to me. Billy Joel's song titled 'Honesty' came to my mind especially the lyrics


'Honesty is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you.'


Why are we dishonest? Especially to ourselves. The lyrics above work for someone else, but the last line can also work for you. From you to You. So what if you were honest with You? How could your life change?

Perhaps for a moment, you will experience less stress. You might be ok with you being you. We all absorb and consume social media which brings up comparisons, dreams, ideas and aspirations. Many are well meaning, but how do they serve us. What do they give us?

The John C. Maxwell Law I am reading about at the moment, calls for a moment of reflection. In each day, each week, month and for a short time each year. These are the moments to be honest with yourself. Are you doing the work, taking the action, having enough sleep and getting things done. We only have limited time and we need to be honest, use it wisely and sometimes get on with it.

Easier said than often done. Perhaps things get in the way, we don't feel like it and then there are all the things - addictions and distractions that become more appealing which are not helping up towards anything.

Get honest. With yourself. Honour yourself and the life you are here to lead. We all face choices and make decisions, so start with being honest with yourself. If you don't like your job and live for the weekend, change something. Perhaps leaving your job is not where to start but you can become aware and this forms honesty. It allows you to see things as they are and make steps towards change.

From there you can be honest with others. And this is where the magic happens. Go for it.