It seems to be that honesty is a common minimum requirement in the consideration of morals and value systems. Most of us are honest most of the time, some more than others. When we do tell a white lie we generally have a justification for it, we are protecting someone or something. There are countless reasons.
I’d like to focus on a different person that we are both honest and dishonest with, our self. Dishonesty with ourselves leads us to make bad decisions, it’s that simple. We base our decision making on information that we have. Some of that information comes from outward sources, some comes from within. When we are dishonest with ourselves and then use that dishonesty as a basis for decision making, we have knowingly lead ourselves into trouble.
As a disclaimer, if I sound preachy, know that I am only preaching to myself.
I am learning to be more honest with myself and it is allowing me new perspective on things that I have done wrong in the past. I am learning to look inward for the root of the troubles in my life and I am seeing personal progress as a result. If anyone can benefit or contribute to personal growth, I welcome them.
Thanks for listening,
JM
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Jim! Marvelous to run into you out here in the Blogosphere! Glad you're back at it. I hope you'll continue to write.
I saw many of your Brampton performances and wrote more than a few words of praise for your game, I recall. I used to dabble in Gonzo lacrosse reporting under the pen-name 'Blue'. I hope, if you've read any of that crap you'll forgive me for anything stupid I said. It was a phase of my writing pursuits I'm not very proud of.
Personal honesty is a huge issue in my life right now. It's clear that society dictates that we all wear a mask. Most of our natural desires, jealousies etc are labelled unlawful. They don't fit the code of conduct prescribed by any major religon.
Individually - coming to terms with that 'honesty gap' between our nature and the image we portray is something that we are largely ignoring I think. I suspect that many individuals suffer greatly for this - in the form of delusion or self-hatred.
I think the problem is that we don't spend nearly enough time alone. Only when we're alone do we explore real honesty and real learning. But radio, TV, internet and phones have stolen everyone's solitude. As writers/bloggers/artists/musicians we may have an advantage as we slot time for solitary creativity - which hopefully involves the search for truth.
What I dearly want to discover is whether this is the natural state of humanity or whether this is a societal perversion. I used to lean toward believing the latter but I'm starting to drift back toward the former.
Regardless - I'm convinced that as individuals we can benefit profoundly by exploring personal honesty.
As I attempt this I'm finding it to be an incredible experience. Euforic and terrifying even. I'm slowly discovering that the 'honesty gap' is far more vast than I could have imagined.
Yikes. What a ramble.
Looking forward to exploring your blog. Congratulations, Jim on your marriage and your gold medal. Best of luck with your health.
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