Truth is Truth

I was talking to a friend a while ago. She was going through a personal trauma, having just found out that a mutual friend of ours is really ill. We were both shocked at the news…but not really. When I asked her how she was coping, she said she was  surprised to here it, and yet had expected it.

Then she let out a punch of pent up feelings, including fear, resentment and anger.

I think she felt slightly sheepish when she was done, and I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable or ashamed so I told her I proud of her for not stuffing her feelings down, even though they might be considered “bad” or “not nice.”

She just looked at me and said, “I have them. They’re authentic, and that isn’t always pretty…and truth is truth.”

I was stunned and proud! So often people hear the word “authentic” and they think that means that you are your operating out of your highest self at all times, and that you are at a level above feeling sad, or angry (think Dalai Lama).

This is true to a certain degree, but I also want to point out that the rest of us have those “ugly” feelings, so rather than pretend not to have them, acknowledge them. By acknowledge them, I don’t mean shout everything you feel publicly!!! Not at all, but notice them in yourself and instead of fighting against them, let them be.

Trust me, they will go away a lot quicker if you acknowledge and release, than if you fight them. If something is still bugging you, get it out. Journal it (and burn it after if you prefer) or tell a coach, mentor or friend. Make sure this person is open and non-judgmental. Afterward you will feel better and the “negative feeling” (I usually don’t like to label things as “good” or “bad” but that is a whole other blog post…) will take care of itself. Next time you sense jealousy or resentment, or any other feeling that you want to fight and label as bad, ask yourself these questions:

Is this feeling my personal truth at this moment? Is this my authentic self?

If you answer yes, then remember that Truth is Truth, and sometimes authentic is ugly.

If you want to hear other people’s opinions of this topic, sign up for my free Discover Your Authentic Life tele-series at http://www.discoveryourauthenticlife.com I have 11 experts that weigh-in on what it means to be authentic and several of them talking about “truth is truth” in detail. Don’t miss out on this opportunity (it’s time sensitive).