Live an Honest Life

photo © 2005 marya | more info (via: Wylio)

Take a minute and think of all the conversations over the past twenty four hours.  

Was everything you said completely truthful and honest?

I bet it wasn't.  

From the time we are sitting in class in kindergarten to decades later as we sit at a desk in our office, a message is being transmitted to us. This message is telling white lies is okay and that dishonesty is acceptable in our society. We turn our televisions and watch programming where children and adults lie to get or stay out of trouble. We overhear our parents or family members being dishonest with one another from time to time. Before we know it, we grow up thinking that being dishonest is acceptable. We copy homework in school. When we don't want to meet up with our friends, we make up an excuse instead of being honest. We end relationships with our boyfriends and girlfriends under false pretenses, telling them that we are not ready for a relationship when really we just are not in love with them.

This culture of dishonesty pervades our lives at every turn, in our relationships with family, friends and coworkers. Perhaps the worst part is that we can arrive at a point in our lives where we don't even realize we are doing it anymore. We may not have harmful intentions, yet the white lies fly out of our mouths without any thought.

I am striving to break free of the culture of dishonesty and live differently. It's not easy to institute this radical change of honesty, so I've compiled some suggestions to help you seek a new way of life.

 

1. Keep a Weekly List of White Lies : When you find yourself trying to hide something or allow the lies to creep out, make a note of it. Keep a journal or list and reflect after a week. Is there a pattern? Is it hard to be honest with someone in particular or in certain sitations? This will help you determine what system is broken and how to change.
2. Think Before You Speak : Sometimes our first responses are defensive and protective. Or, we just don't think and word vomit (Mean Girls anyone?) comes spewing out.  Give yourself a minute to process and respond so you don't default to stretching the truth.
3. Repair Broken Relationships : Living an honest life entails fixing those relationships hurt by dishonesty. Stop lying to your partner, friends, and family.  But also, tell the truth on past mistakes. This may be painful and hurt all those involved, but the long term benefits of honesty are worth it.
4. Trust in Others & Be Self-Confident : Often we lie because we are scared to be reveal our faults to others.  We all make mistakes and need others to help us along the way. Let others help you and place trust in them. Be confident in yourself and your abilities. Don't lie to project a different image. Be honest. Be who you were created to be.

 

Living an honest life is liberating. I am not worried about being caught in a lie and the transparency has strengthened relationships with family and friends. 

 

How would your life be transformed by eliminating the lies and dishonesty in your life?

 

 

 

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