I Hope My Children Heard

HONESTY

“To Thine Own Self Be True” William Shakespeare

Sometime around middle school I lied to myself for the first time. I do not remember exactly what the issue was-perhaps a chore undone, or a test for which I had not studied. Whatever it was, I made up a false excuse to convince myself that what I did was justified.

At that time, I was full of the adolescent idealistic view that the truth was most important trait to possess. Those adults around me who preached one thing and did another were, in my eyes, hypocrites. How could they ever be trusted?

And then in one increasingly disturbing moment I was the hypocrite. I had told myself a lie. For a moment I had accepted that lie. Oh my! I was the one who could not be trusted. I was not honest with myself. If I could lie to myself, what foundation for living did I possess. I then made a vow to always be as honest as possible with myself. I have largely kept that vow. (Mind you, I do not mean that I have been always correct in my perceptions).

I believe that self- awareness and self- honesty are foundational building blocks to life. Many in my life have lied to me. Many have misrepresented themselves. Being honest with myself has helped to perceive whether or not others are genuine in their interactions.

Being true to myself has helped me to recognize my strengths and abilities. Being honest about myself has also let me recognize my faults and weaknesses. In mechanics trouble shooting is defined as finding out what is broken and then fixing the problem. I have needed much trouble shooting in my life. Honesty has led to self-awareness. Self-awareness has laid the foundation for effective change and growth. The need for honesty is a continuing quest.

An anchor keeps a boat from drifting on the sea. Honest self-assessment is an anchor for your life. Honesty can help prevent you from drifting away from the person you wish to be. There are many pressures and scams in your life. Hucksters will try to sell you on all manner of easy-way schemes. Know who you are, and you will be able to deflect the deceptions.

I know many people who are stuck in their weaknesses and faults. These people are not bad or weak. They are unaware of weaknesses and faults because they have lied to themselves. They live in ignorance of the effects of their own actions. As a result, they act repeatedly in destructive ways. Development is stifled by failing to address areas of weakness that require adjustment.

Being honestly in touch with who you are is a lifetime vocation. Proof-reading your life is the best way to make corrections. Perhaps it is best to frequently and honestly self-examine. To use a map to plot your course, you must first locate where you are on the map. Honesty provides an excellent road map.

“The unexamined life is not worth living” is another famous line. Be honest in your self-examinations and you will be free to deal with whatever realities life presents you. Be true to yourself.