Honesty
hon·est·y
Letting your words match what's really going on. Honesty is the simple relief of having nothing to keep track of.
Another way of seeing it
Most dishonesty isn't dramatic. It's the small stuff: 'I'm nearly there', 'Love it!', 'No, it's fine.' Each one feels harmless, but together they teach the people around you that your words can't quite be trusted. Honesty is built, and lost, in the little moments.
In relationships
Honest doesn't have to mean harsh. Say the true thing with warmth, and most people will thank you for it, even if not straight away.
In the ordinary day
Catch one small, automatic fib today, the polite kind, and swap it for something true and kind instead.
A question to sit with
Where are you being polite instead of honest?
Carry this with you
True and kind can live together.
Where it comes from
From the Latin honestus, meaning honourable or worthy of respect. Long before it meant simply telling the truth, honesty meant living in a way you would not need to hide.
Try this today
Swap one polite fib for something true and kind.
Journal prompts for Honesty
- Where did I soften the truth today, and why?
- What would I say if I trusted the other person to handle it?
- What is one honest thing I've been putting off saying kindly?
Did this word resonate with you today?
Know someone who might need this word?