The Deal with Lying
I had an occasion today that brought to light the fact that someone just out and out lied to me unnecessarily about something sooo trivial. It leads me to wonder..... WHY LIE?
This was not a hurtful lie, it was one of those white lies that some feel are socially acceptable, but most of us know are total B.S. What is funny is their 3 year old happily told me the truth today. I am not at all hurt by the truth told, I AM annoyed that they felt the need to lie about it. I also ponder how this pattern of polite lie and white lie and half truth telling will fly when raising their kid. I imagine lots of punishing for telling truths to people they don't want the truth told to.
I decided (shortly after nearly losing my head) in 1998 I wasn't going to lie anymore about anything. Why? The eloquent and honest answer is I decided to live in integrity. The more entertaining answer is: It's too much freaking work! I mean, really. You have to remember what story you told to who. You lie to dodge your energetic poison... an in lying build more poison on an exponential line. To be blunt... shit upon shit upon shit....This I truly believe in my heart, so to see "grown folks" lying... well, it's ridiculous.
Don Miguel Ruiz who wrote The Four Agreements gets quite long winded and philosophical in writing about the importance of being impeccable with your word ( agreement #1). I'm by no means a guru of this book, but I enjoyed the quick read and quick dissemination of common sense ethics packaged so well. One thing he writes that I think hits home about lying and such as it relates to living in integrity is this, "How much you love yourself and how you feel about yourself is directly proportionate to the quality and integrity of your word. When you speak with integrity, and say exactly what you mean, you are impeccable with your word; you feel good; you feel happy and at peace."
Oh, that felt so good to get out! People! Be the example for your kids...and IN the process.... grow yourselves. Ture, a LOT of drama will leave your life when you do this. Gossip will have to go too... but hopefully in it's place you will be happy and at peace with yourself!