Truth is not just an ideal - it's something to live out every day

The pursuit of truth is often conjoined to issues of public importance, affixed as an ideal to the lives of the leaders who protect, advise and guide us. We consider truth a necessity for those in positions of power (i.e. the President), as well as those who help keep our society functioning (i.e. police, teachers) – and rightly so.

It's important to remember, however, that truth is a value that transcends classes and positions. It is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. The truth we share with a friend or lover is the foundation for a healthy, happy relationship. Truth in an intimate context manifests itself in a variety of ways: a request for space, an affection revealed, an thought shared, a promise, an apology, an act of forgiveness – all are vessels for truth among those we're close to. The truth that will most often come into our lives.

Any lasting relationship must be built up around the trust two people have in each other. When we form meaningful bonds, we catch a mere glimpse of all the possibilities we hold within ourselves – great capacities for courage, love, tolerance, kindness, and, above all, truth.

A Life of Authenticity

I have a tendency to repress and restrict parts of myself when getting into new social situations or a new relationship. I hide desires, feelings, and opinions instead of being who I really am: Me.

And yet, who can we be if not ourselves? Do we really want to be someone else? Then why is it that we feel the need to suppress our true identities?

The greatest asset we can bring into any new relationship is authenticity. It requires us to be honest about ourselves -- our emotions, our thoughts, our wants and needs, and even our past.

We may find ourselves thinking that people won’t like who we really are. We may be afraid that if we show our true colors, we will be shamed, ostracized, or left alone. We may worry about other’s opinions of us.

However, when we finally let go and give ourselves the permission to be who we are, we will find that healing has taken place in our relationships. We have been crafted uniquely, wonderfully, and we were never meant to be anyone but who we are.

At the end of the day, we have the closest relationship with ourselves, and we need to learn to give ourselves the acceptance and approval we seek from others.