Brendan & Lori O'Gara

It is impossible to always be honest, right? You have to sometimes white lie to save someone’s feelings, right?

How many times have you said, “I don’t care what we have for dinner.” When you really wanted something you have been craving all day. Here’s a good one, “No, that dress looks good on you.”

I used to lie. Mostly to cover my own behind. You know, the CYA factor Oh come on, you know what I am talking about. We all do it and we all hurt our fellow humans.

I decided to stop. I made a vow years ago not to lie. Being honest has taught me to keep my mouth shut more often and think before I speak. I have learned how to manipulate words so that I can tell the truth and still get the results I want. It is more work and takes a bit of skill. I don’t want to hurt people unnecessarily, so I don’t. My family and coworkers know they need to be sure the want to know the answer before they ask a question. Sometimes I remind them of that before I answer.

For 24 hours choose your words through the filter of honesty first. Note how many times you have to stop yourself from saying, “I like that…” When you really don’t. “I don’t care…” When you really do. Yes, those are lies too. Be honest with yourself. Speak with deliberate care. Use that filter that you claim not to have.

Always be honest is freeing, challenging, difficult and oh so worth it.

Related Article: What I want to Say