Truth
Truth is about seeing things as they really are, not how we wish or fear them to be. It includes both facts about the world around us and honesty about what's happening inside us. Truth isn't just knowing correct information—it's being willing to look at reality even when it's uncomfortable, and then lining up our words and actions with what we see. It's the foundation that helps us build lives based on what's real rather than on illusion.
Personal Stories
These are some of my personal stories about finding and living truth in everyday moments, a glimpse through a memory or window of my life, showing how small shifts toward greater honesty and clarity changed how I looked at things. Hopefully it will help you recall similar moments of insight and discovering truths that have helped you navigate your life.
Seeing Clearly
It's All About Attitude
Here are some everyday ways to bring more truth into your life:
When someone gives you feedback:
→ Instead of getting defensive, try asking yourself, "What might be true about this?" Even if you don't agree with everything they say, there might be something valuable to learn.
When scrolling through social media:
→ Notice when something triggers a strong emotion and ask, "Do I know this is true, or am I assuming?" Taking a moment to fact-check can save you from believing and spreading false information.
When making decisions:
→ Pay attention to that quiet inner voice that sometimes says, "This doesn't feel right." Our bodies often recognize truth before our minds catch up.
When talking with loved ones:
→ Practice saying what's true for you using "I" statements ("I feel worried when...") rather than statements that sound like facts about the other person ("You always..."). This kind of honesty builds trust rather than walls.
When looking back on your day:
→ Ask yourself, "What went well today? What was challenging?" Simple honest reflection helps us learn and grow.
A Different Perspective: Videos Worth a Watch
These videos are additional examples that illustrate how finding and living truth in everyday moments, begins a shift toward greater honesty and can give us a broader perspective in our dealings with others.
"The Touching Truth" (Thai Life Insurance commercial)
In 3 minutes this short film reveals a profound truth that often goes unnoticed - how small acts of kindness ripple through communities in ways we rarely see. The man in this story never witnesses the full impact of his daily generosity, yet it transforms lives. Truth isn't always immediately visible but operates beneath the surface of our everyday interactions.
"This is Water" by David Foster Wallace
It's a commencement speech, so give it 20 minutes—this animated version is worth it. In this speech, we confront the uncomfortable truth about how our default thinking shapes our experience. The fish swimming in water never notice what surrounds them - just as we often fail to see the assumptions that shape our perceptions.
The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
Grab a coffee and settle in for this 20 minute talk. Brown's research reveals a counterintuitive truth: our attempts to protect ourselves from pain often prevent us from experiencing connection and joy. Her findings show how courage to face difficult truths about ourselves leads to authenticity and wholeness. This talk beautifully illustrates how embracing truth, even uncomfortable truth, ultimately frees rather than constrains us.
The Monkey Business Illusion by Daniel Simons
In under 2 minutes, can you keep your focus? This famous attention experiment reveals a startling truth about human perception: we often miss what's right in front of us when we're focused elsewhere. It's a powerful reminder that truth isn't just about what exists, but about our capacity to perceive it - a humbling insight into the limitations of our awareness that encourages more careful observation.