As children most of us learn that honesty is better than dishonesty, and we may not question this beyond whether or not to do what we're told. As adults, however, we can go deeper to examine our choices as investments of energy with predictable risks and returns.
We may feel that little untruths are harmless, but they can be like small cracks that weaken an overall structure over time. Even giving someone a compliment or trying to protect them can create problems later when the alternate reality we've created becomes the basis for further actions. This can lead to further energy being spent on keeping things hidden, working to remember the tales we've spun and fearing the consequences of being found out.
We can make honesty our choice in every interaction, bringing the nurturing power of the universe's energy into our lives to bring positive, lasting results.
My Thoughts:
I am not a total believer in the idea that honesty is always the best policy.
In some situations, the truth can cause more pain than is necessary and do untold damage.
Let me explain:
I do a lot of work with people that have various difficulties within so-called normal society. They have often already had a life full of disparaging remarks in association with a whole host of issues. The medical profession for example, often leaves a lot to be desired as to a positive bedside-manner. Children will have unwittingly heard all the summaries of how they are not developing along the acceptable norms, they could have been subjected to the various discussions regarding the need for special schools and the realistic prospects as to their capabilities. As a result, they have come to think in terms of the things they will not be able to do, rather than the things they can and have achieved. Then there are the people that suffer from psychological issues, like depression, mental illnesses and inherited neurological defects, not to forget those that have trodden a path that involved the taking of drugs. All these people can have a very negative opinion of themselves, so the last thing they need is someone else jumping on that band-wagon. Therefore, although the truth is not always something that is going to serve them well, there are ways of fabricating it so as to not have a damaging impact.
As a tutor for creative writing there is always a huge push to promote the idea of constructive feedback. Whilst some material produced may not be anywhere near structurally or grammatically perfect, it is still often a major achievement for an individual to even take the first step to writing anything. This is something that needs encouraging, helping to promote the idea of self-improvement, even if that takes making the time and putting in the effort with them to go through it word by word.
The world is often far too caught-up on the idea of achievement, and of having the right to voice your own opinion regardless of the feelings of others. Too many people are discouraged having been given the truth about something they put so much effort into producing.
Creative writing will always be subjective.
So, as Thumper in Bambi said … if you can’t say nuffin’ nice, don’t say nuffin’ at all.