"Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.
- Maggie Kuhn
Truth
Truth is another tenet of the personal philosophy of thinking before you speak.
The only way to communicate the truth is through the use of words, and those words should come from the heart in a manner that is considerate to those around the speaker as well as truthful in essence.
There are two truths in this world, the facts, what is written in stone, and then there is personal truth, being true to yourself, your beliefs, and morals. Furthermore, personal beliefs are something that I never want to discourage, for everyone has the right to an opinion and the right to make their own choices and personal truths.
The truths I'll be discussing today are those that cause harm or destruction, as well as lies.
Speaking your truth means remaining true to yourself, whether it's your emotions, viewpoints, or moral beliefs. Don't hide your thoughts and feelings for the sake of someone else's approval; it doesn't have to work that way.
Rather, you should remain true to your own voice, regardless of what others think.
While I know this is easier said than done, you will never be sorry for speaking your truth.
Even if you avoid conflict and tension, you will never be sorry. It reflects your bravery, courage, and, most importantly, your integrity.
Having said that, it is critical to recognize that not everyone holds the same truth and that there will always be someone who disagrees with you. Understanding that this is okay is a critical component of truth.
What is important is respecting other people's beliefs; just because your truths do not align with someone else does not give you a reason to judge or criticize. If your truths are causing harm and causing you to say things that are unkind to others, it may be time to take a step back and work on the personal philosophy of thinking before you speak.
What if I become angry with someone's truth?
It is easy to say something you'll later regret, especially in the moment of emotion. Before you say anything, take a few moments to gather your thoughts. This may take some time; do not be afraid to step away from the conversation and maybe even allow others involved to do the same (Mayo Foundation, 2022).
As soon as you are able to think clearly, you should express your frustration in a manner that is assertive but does not provoke a confrontation. You should be clear and direct about your concerns and needs and always avoid hurting other people or attempting to impose control over them (Mayo Foundation, 2022).
Attempt to understand their point of view. This does not mean you have to conform to their truth; this simply means that you can ask questions and try to see their perspective on the topic.
Some things you can choose to say are:
"That's interesting that you feel this way. I'd love to learn more from your perspective?"
"I'd love to share perspectives. Maybe we could talk about this further over coffee!"
"I feel differently on this subject, but I welcome opposing views and am always open to learning more."
When is it okay to twist the truth?
There are very few situations in which it is acceptable to lie. However, there are times when it is essential to do so, for example, when it is necessary to protect oneself or another person from imminent danger; for example, when it is necessary to protect oneself from an abuser or an act of domestic violence.
There are also "white lies," which are harmless lies told to avoid hurting someone's feelings. There are times when using these is acceptable. If my mother spent all day cooking a meal for me and it didn't taste good, I'd rather lie and tell her I loved it because of the amount of effort she put into it. Or if my little cousin asked if Santa Claus was real, I'd gladly answer yes.
Though one should think about the repercussions white lies may have and understand the consequences of making these decisions.
Besides these few reasons, one should not lie to deceive someone or benefit themselves.
When people lie, it has the potential to weaken trust between people; if no one told the truth, we would have a very difficult time building a society. Life would become extremely problematic.
What can I take from this?
It is my hope that with this information, you will understand that speaking your truth is meaningful, it is influential, and a way to express yourself for who you are and what you believe in. Having personal beliefs are okay; they are needed in order to guide us through this life.
Though it is essential to understand and learn that not all truths are the same, and that is okay. It is okay to have differences, and sometimes it is a beautiful thing to be able to share your truths with others, to learn from one another, and to learn to live with your differences. What is not acceptable is to be hurtful to those who do not share your truth. Because of this, it is essential that you take the time to think about your words and how they can be used in a disagreement regarding truths.