Honesty

Good day everyone. Today's blog is dedicated to Howard, a man who has inspired me with his simple act of honesty.

Today's quote: "A lie will easily get you out of a scrape, and yet, strangely and beautifully, rapture possesses you when you have taken the scrape and left out the lie." Charles Edward Montague, Disenchantment

There is no doubt about it, being honest can be one of the hardest things a person ever does. There are consequences to it, for taking that responsibility and claiming that truth. Such is the reason so many people go about their lives trying to avoid it. It can have harsh penalties; the loss of a relationship, position or enterprise or perhaps hurting someone you love or respect. Often times those we are honest with react as if we have betrayed them, when in fact our ability to be honest with them has actually solidified their importance to us. Yes, honesty is a double edged sword sometimes and some might wonder why we tell the truth at all. Lying can be so much easier on us. It can make us seem more important, make others think we are more valuable to them and mask the things that can hurt. It can get us out of trouble and get us the things we think we want and need out of life. But even the best liars in the world cannot stop the inevitability of those lies being found out and when that happens, the damage done by the act is so much worse than it would have been if we had just simply told the truth. Lying diminishes us as human beings. It belittles not only ourselves but those we have lied to. It disrespects the foundations of our relationships and causes mistrust. It falsifies our character and dirties our very souls. It hurts those we love and changes their perceptions of not only the person who has lied to them, but every other human being on the planet as well, causing a riff in humanity. Lying is a poison to our entire species, causing illness to the mind, heart and soul of everyone. It takes courage to stand up and take responsibility, especially knowing that there will be consequences to our actions. When we are honest with ourselves and those around us, we are defining our characters, showing our intelligence and honoring each other.  I would much rather be someone that people can trust and look up to than someone who ends up all alone in this world because their motives are questionable and tainted. Who would you rather be? 

Namaste , may you forever be blessed