- EZ Reflections
- Posts
- Living the Truth
Living the Truth: The Impact on the Psyche and Finding Redemption
Last week, I had the opportunity of sitting down with James Smith (Listen Here). James' story was one of resilience and redemption, as he went from solitary confinement to turning back to faith forging a new path in his life and creating a legacy. During the episode, James shared something that stuck with me: he talked about his mom's influence and her support despite his choices. She reminded him that if he let the shame bury his head in the sand, everyone would kick dirt on him. However, some people would give him a hand if he decided to claw his way back. He used that as motivation not to give up and keep trying despite being rejected by the seminary school when he first applied. In my exploration of social norms, this ability to remain resilient has started slipping away from people, further perpetuating their issues. Using setbacks as a way to get better and try harder is a skill that is becoming rarer.
I have also contemplated the stories of men undergoing monumental shifts from solitary confinement. It is fascinating how these men can find redemption in their stories. I have learned immensely from some of these men, such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and Malcolm X. These men found conviction in their ability to live the truth and were able to change the world through their pursuit of the truth. Interestingly enough, it is in solitude that one can wrestle with the truth and make a choice. It is the choice we must all make every day. Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to explore how we can find redemption in living the truth:
The Psychological Impact of Living the Truth
Enhanced Mental Well-being
Living truthfully fosters mental clarity and peace. When individuals act in harmony with their core values and beliefs, they experience a sense of congruence that alleviates cognitive dissonance—a psychological state where conflicting beliefs or actions cause discomfort. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who live authentically experience higher self-esteem, greater life satisfaction, and reduced anxiety and depression levels (Sheldon et al., 1997).
Improved Emotional Regulation
Truthfulness cultivates a sense of inner stability and resilience. According to research by Brown and Ryan (2003), authenticity is closely tied to mindfulness—a state of awareness where one is present and attentive to one's experiences without judgment. Mindful individuals are better equipped to regulate their emotions and cope with stress, enhancing their emotional intelligence and reducing reactivity.
Greater Self-Awareness and Personal Growth
Living the truth necessitates self-reflection and honesty about one’s desires, limitations, and goals. This self-awareness fosters personal growth and development. Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, emphasized the importance of congruence in his person-centred therapy, arguing that self-acceptance and authenticity are crucial for self-actualization—the process of realizing one’s fullest potential (Rogers, 1961).
Building Trust and Integrity in Relationships
Truthfulness is foundational to trust and integrity in relationships. When individuals consistently align with their values, they are perceived as reliable and trustworthy. This perception is crucial in forming deep, meaningful connections in personal relationships or professional settings. Research shows that trust is a critical factor in the success of interpersonal relationships and collaborative efforts (Rotter, 1967).
Promoting a Culture of Honesty and Transparency
When individuals live truthfully, they set an example for others, fostering a culture of honesty and transparency. This culture is critical in organizational settings, where ethical behaviour and integrity are essential for maintaining a positive reputation and ensuring long-term success. A study in the Journal of Business Ethics found that organizations with a robust ethical culture experience lower levels of unethical behaviour and higher employee satisfaction and loyalty (Treviño, Weaver, & Reynolds, 2006).
Inspiring Positive Change in the World
Living the truth also has a ripple effect on the world. When individuals and leaders act authentically and courageously speak out against injustices, they inspire others to do the same. This collective action can lead to significant social change. For example, historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated how living truthfully and advocating for justice can transform societies.
Challenges and Strategies for Living the Truth
Despite its benefits, living the truth can be challenging. It often requires courage to confront uncomfortable realities and resist societal pressures to conform. However, the rewards of living authentically far outweigh these challenges.
Here are some strategies to help cultivate a truthful life:
Practice Mindfulness: Being present and aware of your thoughts and feelings helps you stay grounded in your truth.
Please reflect regularly. Please examine your actions and decisions to ensure they align with your core values.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be authentic and provide constructive feedback.
Stay Open to Growth: Recognize that living the truth is a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.
Living the truth is a powerful principle that enhances personal well-being and fosters a more honest, compassionate world. By aligning our actions with our values, we create a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same. The journey toward authenticity may be challenging, but its impact on our psyche and society is profound and far-reaching.
References
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The Benefits of Being Present: Mindfulness and Its Role in Psychological Well-Being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822-848.
Rogers, C. R. (1961). On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Rotter, J. B. (1967). A New Scale for the Measurement of Interpersonal Trust. Journal of Personality, 35(4), 651-665.
Sheldon, K. M., Ryan, R. M., Rawsthorne, L. J., & Ilardi, B. (1997). Trait Self and True Self: Cross-Role Variation in the Big-Five Personality Traits and Its Relations With Psychological Authenticity and Subjective Well-Being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(6), 1380-1393.
Treviño, L. K., Weaver, G. R., & Reynolds, S. J. (2006). Behavioral Ethics in Organizations: A Review. Journal of Business Ethics, 66(1), 127-141.
A snippet of the Episode
Head to YouTube for the full episode. Or Subscribe below:
What people are saying about the podcast:
Quote of the Week:
“Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”
Sponsors
Sponsors
Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a two-week trial of Aura.
What Aura’s App Does:
● Monitors the dark web to see if any of your personal information has leaked (emails, passwords, SSNs, etc)
● Monitors your credit accounts and alerts you to suspicious activity fast
● One-click secure VPN so you can shop, bank and browse online securely and privately
● Scan your devices for malware, ransomware, viruses and more
● Parental controls to let your kids explore the internet safely. Filter harmful sites, apps and manage screen time easily
● Automatically requests the removal of your information from various data broker lists and people search websites
What Makes Aura Different:
● Simple: Effortless, Frictionless, Easy to use and set up
● Proactive: Protects against today’s and tomorrow’s threats. Does it for you, AI-enabled, Intelligent safety
● Modern: Online safety for today’s digital safety, Tech that grows with your family, High Tech, High touch, A true technology partner, State of the art/clever
Would you like to work with me?
Book a 1:1 Call with me! I am taking on new clients in November and offering a free consultation.
Subscribe to the Podcast and Newsletter
Looking to build your own Newsletter?
Follow my personalized link to get 20% off all Beehiiv plans:
Reply