Truth Talks: Open & Honest Communication

Maybe you have had this experience. Picture this. You are having a conversation with someone and as the words come out of your mouth, you realize that what you are saying isn’t in alignment with what you truly think or believe. I used to do it all the time. In fact, I would leave conversations so upset because I didn’t convey what I truly felt. It was inauthentic and frustrating. 

Maybe you relate to this. To be honest, it is something that many women struggle with. Why? Many of us are afraid of the response we might receive if we shared the whole truth, what is honestly in our hearts. I am writing to remind you that you never have to apologize or second guess yourself for communicating in a way that leaves you feeling thankful for the opportunity to share your heart. 

Do you want to put an end to this behavior? Here’s the big secret. When I am faced with a heavy conversation, my first defense is taking a moment to invite the Holy Spirit to be present in the conversation. I pray that God gives me clarity and provides me with the right words to say. 

Second, we have to create the space for both parties to voice their opinions freely and openly. Set the stage for everyone involved to participate, judgement free. No fluff, no sugar coating, no holding back because of fear. Just communicate. Often we are too hard on ourselves and too fearful of upsetting those around us. I want to encourage you to abandon that behavior. Leave it in the dust! I promise it is not serving you, or your relationships well. 

We, as humans, operate from one of two spaces; fear or love. If you approach your conversations with awareness of this principle, you will make a conscious effort to communicate out of love and trust me, your recipient will hear that. If you choose to operate from a place of fear, you will have a very hard time expressing your truth and you will leave the conversation wishing you had said so much more. Is it comfortable? No. Is it worth it? Absolutely. 

I encourage you, next time you feel a pull to share what is truly on your heart, do it. Create a space in your relationships and conversations where everyone feels comfortable sharing the vulnerable, exposed truth. Will you always come to an agreement with others? Absolutely not, but you will have much deeper, more meaningful relationships as a result of hard conversations set apart by genuine honesty. 

As women, we must learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. We have to set aside our tendency to always please others. When you abandon those fears and become dead set on asking more meaningful questions and speaking what is on our mind, there is so much joy and freedom to be found. Give yourself permission to speak your mind. You deserve it.