Actions speak louder than words. Have you ever told another person that you wanted to do something and in reality, you didn’t want to do it? Then, as the time drew nearer to your commitment, you had to make up some excuse as to why you couldn’t do the thing you said you wanted to do?

What made it so hard in the original moment for you to speak your truth?

How did you feel speaking this falsehood?

Were you afraid?

If so, of what?

Did you think they wouldn’t like you?

In part, I think people don’t speak their truth because they don’t want to hurt the other person’s feelings. I’ve heard folks say things like, “Oh, something came up,” or “I’d like to do that, but, I’m too busy.”

Wouldn’t it be great if someone for once just said, “I appreciate the offer; however, getting together doesn’t work for me. Hope you understand.”

Like you, I’m sure that would piss me off because I’m left wondering “What doesn’t work!” Was it me? Was it their schedule? What? Yet, I’d at least know the other person was being genuine.

Words are golden! Say what you mean, and mean what you say. If you’re going to do something with another, then do it! If not, don’t promise in the first place. Or, if you tell your boss you’ll have the job done by a certain date and time, then, it’s up to you to meet that deadline. Words hold integrity.

I challenge you to pay attention to how many times you say something to another person, “We should get together sometime,” “I’d like that,” etc., and you don’t really mean it. When you catch yourself in the act, stop! In the silence, listen to your heart, pay attention to your feelings, and only then open your mouth and speak your truth. Turn your words from clay to gold. In this way, you will change the way you see, and change the way you live.