Once thought of as a flaw, I've now come to fully embrace my brutal side.

Now, before you swipe left, or close the window, or race on to the next flashy thing you're seeing out of the corner of your eye on the internet, let me be clear. I am not brutal out of spite. In fact it's quite the contrary I am brutally honest because I care about people who seek my counsel. Whether they are friends, relatives, or clients I believe they trust me because they know I will always tell them the truth. At least, the truth as I see it. For I have no doubt that others may view things differently and in doing so find their own truth which varies greatly from mine - even in what appears to be the same situation. However, I also believe, THAT is none of my business. I can only stand in my shoes, with my experiences, my convictions and even my observations and deliver the truth as I see it.
It is not up to me to determine whether or not or even how the recipient takes the truth. Only that I do my best to tell it like it is whenever I am asked. Again, I am not out brandishing my truth like a sword wielding mercenary. Though, I admit there are times when I have to bite my tongue to keep from blurting out what seems an obvious truth about a given situation. Littering, texting while driving, giving up your seat on mass transit to elderly, physically challenged, or mothers with small children... I mean the list could go on.
The key thing is this... I will never (yes, I said never) deny my truth or the truth of others. Even if I don't agree with it. I believe that whatever is TRUE for you is true for you and only you. I also believe that our truths help guide us to even bigger truths if we let them.
So, after an early childhood marred in lies and deceit I know I owe it to myself and the world to stand up when I believe the emperor is wearing no clothes. To speak my mind when asked my opinion. To listen to my inner voice when making decisions. People who know me, and know me well, depend on that honesty. Even if it stings its better to face the truth head on and make the adjustments necessary before things spiral out of control. In my professional and personal experience many regrets could be avoided if we were just honest with ourselves and each other.
Be honest, when was the last time you were brutal with your honesty?
It is not up to me to determine whether or not or even how the recipient takes the truth. Only that I do my best to tell it like it is whenever I am asked. Again, I am not out brandishing my truth like a sword wielding mercenary. Though, I admit there are times when I have to bite my tongue to keep from blurting out what seems an obvious truth about a given situation. Littering, texting while driving, giving up your seat on mass transit to elderly, physically challenged, or mothers with small children... I mean the list could go on.
The key thing is this... I will never (yes, I said never) deny my truth or the truth of others. Even if I don't agree with it. I believe that whatever is TRUE for you is true for you and only you. I also believe that our truths help guide us to even bigger truths if we let them.
So, after an early childhood marred in lies and deceit I know I owe it to myself and the world to stand up when I believe the emperor is wearing no clothes. To speak my mind when asked my opinion. To listen to my inner voice when making decisions. People who know me, and know me well, depend on that honesty. Even if it stings its better to face the truth head on and make the adjustments necessary before things spiral out of control. In my professional and personal experience many regrets could be avoided if we were just honest with ourselves and each other.
Be honest, when was the last time you were brutal with your honesty?