Maroc - NEWSDAY.CO.TT - A la Une - 07/Aug 04:23

The power of truths

Kanisa George MOST OF us run from the truth. Whether we are afraid of what it will reveal or desperately want to live in ignorant bliss for as long as we can, most of us cower at the reality of our truths. How well we navigate life depends on our ability to confront and address harsh realities. The more open-minded we are about embracing our truths, the better we will be able to manage disappointment, triumph and indifference. When life offers us a positive hand, we are far more open to leaning in and accepting our faith. Where hardship and troubles are the order of the day, we sometimes become experts at ignoring the facts, running from reality and ignoring the truth. Churchill couldn’t have said it better, “Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened.” Why do we avoid the truth when we have been told all our lives that the truth will set us free? We avoid truths about ourselves, others and circumstances, and, without realising it, engage in damaging confirmation bias that sneakily compels us to justify beliefs despite all evidence to the contrary. When one is faced with situations or realities that are challenging and painful, it causes discomfort that we inevitably try to avoid. To ease the tension we ignore the pain and opt for an easy path; we disregard the truth. With time our avoidance tactics become second nature, and we move into the realm of denial. Instead of running from the truth we choose to deny it flat-out. There are moments in our lives when avoiding the truth is a necessary retreat. Taking a break from disagreeable realities can re-energise us and give us clarity. When we engage in avoidance mechanisms that are physically and psychologically damming, to the point where we never face the truth, we run the risk of facing the harsh effects of avoidance. The longer we wait to face the truth, the more painful it becomes. Avoidance tactics aren’t eradication measures, so jump high, jump low, the problem isn’t going anywhere. When comfort surface appearances disappear, all we will be left with is the truth we so vigorously tried to escape. But once we face it, there's a sense of relief and liberation that comes with it. By avoiding the truth you will essentially be delaying the lesson because contained within is the opportunity for growth and development. As one writer puts it, we will end up postponing our happiness. The longer we wait to acknowledge the problem or inconvenience, the more complicated we make life, and the less willing and open we are to invest the time and energy to learn, grow and experience. The longer we wait to confront the truth, the more apparent and problematic it can become. Take, for instance, that you might have spent your entire life building a career only to realise it’s time to move on. This truth might be glaringly apparent, but we hold on to the comfort of our reality because of fear and trepidation about the unknown. Naturally, in the above scenario, there are genuine issues, such as finances and the volatile job market, to consider. Still, even in a perfect world, most of us would be afraid to step outside the mould, delaying the truth for as long as we can. What we run from when we avoid the truth is our triumph, no matter how daunting or disconcerting it may be. Failure to face the truth is a primary blocker of progress, from our personal lives to our professional endeavours. Ultimately, the truth, regardless of how raw, uncomfortable, or hurtful it may be, is crafted to shape the trajectory of our lives once we’re open to embracing it, come what may. This acceptance is not a surrender, but a powerful tool that we can use to shape our future. We must be willing to confront brutal facts. “You are a kind person, but sometimes your temper gets the better of you." “This is the only relationship I have been in, but it has run its course.” Sometimes we even fall prey to accepting the inaccurate versions of others for fear that we may lose them. This can generate an unrealistic expectation of relationships and a flawed accountability gauge. The longer we continue to accept half-truths about ourselves, others and circumstances, the more this narrative will reinforce our lives; our true selves will never get a chance to blossom. Rather than acting passively through avoidance and escapism, take control of your reality. How to do this, you ask? Focus on accepting what is. Don’t sugarcoat it, don’t run from it, accept the raw truth. Take an honest, in-depth look at your life and evaluate the areas that need improvement. This self-reflection and evaluation is a crucial step in your personal growth journey. It is time to stop and consider what your truths are saying about you. The post The power of truths appeared first on Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.