is the best policy…still.

Why? Because it is the foundation of good relationships, a functional work life, and a clear conscience. If you build a house on a weak foundation, it will fall before it’s time. The same applies to your life.

If you hedge a little on truth here and deceive people there, eventually trust breaks down, life circumstances destabilize, and true meaning slowly seeps out of your system. It’s hard to count on anything, once the facts start twisting, and fairness and sincerity are no longer deemed important.

This week we want to shine light on the Power of Honesty. Red. Strong and honest Red. It takes strength to “call a spade a spade.” It takes strength to not be swayed or detracted from the obvious by self-serving agendas. It takes a great deal of strength to hold the line on what is really so and what isn’t.

Do you need to buff up your Red muscles a little more? Here’s a short process you can easily fit into your day to help you do that:

1) Notice every time you’re dishonest, slant the truth, or flat out lie.

2) Notice how you feel inside. Let your body tell you, honestly, how it feels before, during and after each incident. Really listen and take it in.

3) Watch for any changes in your future interactions with regard to truth telling.

That’s it.

This simple exercise alone,

if done honestly,

can have profound effects.

And if you want to take it up a notch, add in these two extra steps between Step 2 and 3 above:

2a) Ask yourself why you needed to not tell the truth for each one.

• To stay safe by hiding what really matters to you?
• To get what you feel would otherwise be denied you?
• Something else?

2b) Are there other ways you can stay safe, be yourself or otherwise fulfill the need that prompted you to be dishonest a little or a lot?