Tag Archives: truth

We often seek out people who amplify what we already want to feel.

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We often seek out people who amplify what we already want to feel.

—Inspired by a post by Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Олег Мороз

We often think we’re looking for truth in others, but more often we’re looking for permission.

Permission to feel right, justified, wounded or even superior.

We gravitate toward people who echo our emotions, not challenge them. It’s comforting, almost addictive, to have our inner narrative confirmed.

Yet this habit can quietly trap us in a loop, reinforcing beliefs that may no longer serve us.

Growth rarely comes from agreement; it comes from gentle friction, from voices that invite reflection rather than applause.

The question worth asking is simple: “Are the people around you expanding your perspective, or just amplifying your current state?”

One nurtures evolution, the other preserves comfort. Only one moves you forward with real, lasting change.

EXERCISE:

Audit your “echo circle.” Pay attention to who you turn to when you’re upset or seeking validation.

Ask yourself: do they challenge me or simply agree?

Intentionally add one person to your circle who will give you honest, thoughtful feedback—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Don’t bury the Lede

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“Don’t bury the Lede.”

—Nora Ephron, late American writer, playwright, and filmmaker

Image from Unsplash by John Cardamone

Don’t bury the Lede — especially in your life!

We hide our truth behind safe stories, polite smiles, and half-honest answers, hoping to be liked. But the real story — the passion, the purpose, the pulse is waiting underneath all that editing.

Why start your day with filler when there’s a headline in your heart?

Lead with what matters: your conviction, your wonder, your why.

People don’t connect with perfection; they connect with what’s real.

Stop saving your best lines for later. Be bold enough to headline your own life.

Be the story that wakes others up. When you lead with the truth, you give everyone else permission to do the same.

EXERCISE:

Instead of softening or hiding what you really mean, start with your most honest thought — whether in a conversation, an email, or a meeting.

Take note that doing this builds trust and often saves considerable time.

The way to right wrongs

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“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

—Ida B. Wells-Barnett, 20th Century American investigative journalist/sociologist

Image from Unsplash by Alex Shute

The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them are powerful words that scream with urgency today more than ever.

In a world full of spin, silence, and selective truths, we often forget that real change starts with a courageous spotlight.

Whether in our relationships, workplaces, or social systems, truth is the foundation of transformation.

But here’s the catch: shinning that light often makes people uncomfortable. It disturbs the status quo. It demands accountability.

But without truth, wrongs remain hidden, and healing never begins.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life are you being called to speak the truth, even when it’s hard?

Where can and will you shine the light of truth to illuminate the darkness in your world?

Being honest may not get you a lot of friends

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“Being honest may not get you a lot of friends, but it will always get you the right ones.”

—John Lennon, co-founder of the Beatles

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

John Lennon’s insight reminds us that authenticity trumps popularity.

In a world obsessed with likes and approval, honesty can feel risky.

Every truth spoken acts as a filter: it weeds out superficial ties and invites those who value depth.

Real connections thrive on transparency, not pretense.

When we prioritize integrity over appeasement, we attract people who respect our boundaries, challenge our growth, and stand firm in challenging times.

True friendship isn’t a number’s game — it’s about finding the tribe that will stand by your side.

EXERCISE:

How important is honesty and integrity in your closest relationships?

Consider engaging in an “Honesty Audit” to see how you can attract more of the right people into your tribe.

Truth does not mind being questioned

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“Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Barry Bierman

Today’s quote is often attributed to Fredrick Nietzsche, although there is no definitive source confirming this.

It emphasizes the idea that genuine truths can withstand scrutiny, while falsehoods tend to resist examination.

Nietzsche’s philosophy, however, significantly influenced modern thinking on truth and lies by challenging traditional notions of objective truth.

He proposed that truth is not an absolute entity but a construct shaped by human perspectives and interpretations driven by the “will to power.”

EXERCISE:

How do you sort through the truths and lies being spread so widely these days?

How do these messages pass your scrutiny and your endeavors to make important decisions in your life?

“The truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water.”

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“The truth may be stretched thin, but it never breaks, and it always surfaces above lies, as oil floats on water.”

—Miquel de Cervantes Saavedra, from Don Quixote

Image from Unsplash by pisauikan

If the truth is what sets us free, then most of us often find ourselves imprisoned by what we see and experience these days.

Just explore your email, social media feeds, and our political landscape to observe all types of falsehoods that do their best to hold us captive.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world is the truth being stretched thin?

How do you screen out the lies and rise above the many forms of deception waiting to pounce?

“Truth does not carry within itself an antidote to falsehood. The cause of truth must be championed and it must be championed dynamically.”

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“Truth does not carry within itself an antidote to falsehood. The cause of truth must be championed and it must be championed dynamically.”

—William F. Buckley Jr., 20th Century American author and commentator

Image from Unsplash by NeONBRAND

Where do you get your news? Who are the people and what are the sources you trust? What are some of the sources that bend the truth, provide widely divergent views and spins on current events, in pursuit of their own agenda?

In the past—and to some extent today—I was foolish enough to believe that the truth would always set us all free and that it was indeed the antidote to any falsehood.

These days, the truth itself does not always matter enough to set things right, given the many other divergent perspectives being advocated.

EXERCISE:

Where are you dynamically championing the truth in your various personal and professional communities?  How can you better apply a “trust but verify” approach to the many sources of information coming your way?

“Open your eyes to the beauty around you. Open your mind to the wonders of life. Open your heart to those who love you, and always be true to yourself.”

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“Open your eyes to the beauty around you. Open your mind to the wonders of life. Open your heart to those who love you, and always be true to yourself.”

—Maya Angelou, late American poet, memoirist, civil rights activist

Only four presidents — John F. Kennedy in 1961, Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997, Barack Obama in 2009 and 2013, and Joe Biden in 2021 — have included poets in their inaugurations. Maya Angelou was one of those six poets. I hope her nuggets of wisdom in today’s quote resonates for you.

EXERCISE:

Please take a look and explore the work of these six poets, and the messages for their time in history:

2021: Amanda Gorman, “The Hill We Climb”
2013: Richard Blanco, “One Today”
2009: Elizabeth Alexander, “Praise Song for the Day”
1997: Miller Williams, “Of History and Hope”
1993: Maya Angelou, “On the Pulse of Morning”
1961: Robert Frost, “The Gift Outright”

“The truth is in you. How much room do you give it?”

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“The truth is in you. How much room do you give it?”

—Laurent F. Carrel, Founding Partner of Carrel & Partner

Image from Unsplash by S&B Vonlanthen

Imagine you are about to embark on a hike along the Appalachian Trail, The Pacific Crest Trail, or Camino De Santiago De Compostela. You have trained for months, eaten all your veggies to lose those extra pounds, and freed up your calendar.

In the process of packing your gear with what you consider the essentials, you find that it feels like you’re wearing an elephant.

Where is your life over-packed and wearing you down? Where do you need to unclutter your head and heart and make more room for your truth?

EXERCISE:

What actions can and will you take today to live your truth even more fully?