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The Truth Will Set You Free

We frequently hear these words in our culture, but do people truly comprehend the "truth"? We often get swayed by outside noise and information influencing our opinions, moods, emotions and beliefs. But in last week's episode of EZ Conversations, I had the opportunity to converse with Dr. Abdallah Rothman (Listen Here), and we explored his incredible journey of travelling the world and immersing himself in various cultures and traditions. In a way, he was pursuing the truth, rather than letting others tell him what he should believe. Eventually, Dr. Rothman accidentally stumbled upon Islam, and he chose to revert. That is precisely what drew me to Dr. Rothman's story, especially in a world where we are constantly told what to believe, even when our internal moral compass tells us otherwise. Beyond embracing Islam, Dr. Rothman also teaches others through his work how to submit one's heart and free it of all the emotional baggage that can weigh us down and prevent our spiritual growth.

All week, in my journey and reflection, "The truth will set you free" kept coming up for me, and one of my good friends repeated the exact words. But what does the truth mean? It is so easy to lose sight of the truth in a world that can feel so malevolent, but it is precisely for that reason that we must embody the truth and not lose faith. The truth allows us to remain resilient when things are falling apart. Ultimately, we must have something to fall back on, and the only thing that can withstand the test of time and all chaos is the truth. But what is the underlying meaning of the words? What is done in the dark will come to light, and that alone is worth pursuing the truth. I aim to live by that to the best of my abilities, and I pray that when I do fall short, I am guided back to the path. Therefore, in this week's edition of EZ Reflections, I wanted to share a personal exploration, which is something that I hope others can also gain from.

Why Truth Matters for Mental Health

Living truthfully—being honest with yourself and others—helps reduce the internal tension from cognitive dissonance. This psychological term refers to discomfort when our behaviors are misaligned with our beliefs or values. When we suppress the truth or live in denial, we create mental stress that can manifest in anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.

In contrast, embracing the truth—even painful truths—creates coherence between our internal and external worlds, which is critical for psychological well-being.

A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology (Kernis & Goldman, 2006) found that people with greater authenticity tend to experience higher self-esteem, vitality, and well-being. Truth-telling, especially in difficult situations, is a form of internal alignment that reduces emotional conflict.

The Role of Truth in Building Resilience

Resilience is not the absence of struggle but the ability to rebound. Truth plays a vital role in this process.

When we confront our reality—loss, failure, heartbreak, trauma—we acknowledge what is rather than escaping into what should have been. This act of radical acceptance, described by psychologist Marsha Linehan (1993) in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is essential for resilience. Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation; it means facing the truth to take empowered steps forward.

Research from the American Psychological Association (APA, 2014) suggests resilient individuals are more likely to engage in "meaning-focused coping." This involves acknowledging adversity while also finding meaning and learning from the experience. Living by the truth helps us frame our struggles as part of a more significant journey that includes pain and growth.

Navigating Difficult Situations with Clarity and Courage

Whether personal, professional, or relational, difficult situations often involve complexity and emotional weight. In such moments, truth becomes a compass.

Consider the difference between someone who denies a toxic relationship and someone who faces its reality. The former may remain stuck in cycles of pain, while the latter, by embracing the truth, opens the door to healing and new possibilities. Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, calls this "rumbling with vulnerability"—the courage to face our emotions and our truth (Brown, 2012).

When we tell the truth, we gain clarity. That clarity allows us to set boundaries, make decisions aligned with our values, and confidently navigate complexity. In this way, truth becomes a moral choice and a practical tool for living wisely.

Truth and Positivity: Not Opposites, But Allies

Sometimes we equate positivity with optimism at all costs—even if it means avoiding brutal truths. But that kind of "toxic positivity" can be harmful.

Genuine positivity arises when we acknowledge reality and act with hope. In Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning (1946), he emphasizes that meaning—and by extension, hope—can be found even in suffering. But first, we must look suffering in the face. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, did not shy away from the horrors he endured. Instead, he bore witness to them, and in doing so, discovered purpose and the will to live.

Living by the truth doesn’t mean being negative. It means seeing life as it is and responding with courage, grace, and purpose.

References

• Kernis, M. H., & Goldman, B. M. (2006). A multicomponent conceptualization of authenticity: Theory and research. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 283–357. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(06)38006-9

• American Psychological Association. (2014). The Road to Resilience. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

• Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-behavioral treatment of borderline personality disorder. New York: Guilford Press.

• Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.

• Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
  

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