One of my biggest pet peeves is dishonesty, especially when it’s directed at me. From a young age, I’ve had a strong reaction to lies, and I find myself regretting every time I’ve lied—whether it was with my parents, friends, family, teachers, or, most importantly, with myself.
Yes, I’ve lied to myself more times than I can count. I lie to myself whenever I ignore my intuition—the gut feeling that tells me something is right, even if it’s intimidating. I push it aside because I’m afraid of the responsibilities and consequences that might follow. It’s easier to tell myself that I’m not ready, that it’s not the right time, rather than face the truth.
And then there’s a different kind of lie I tell myself, one meant to protect my inner child. Recently, I uncovered a memory I believed to be true, but when I shared it with my mom, she revealed a different version of events, one that didn’t align with my perception as a 2 year old. The mind has fascinating ways of reshaping reality to protect us from pain or to soften the harshness of a moment. This revelation made me realize how often we bend our own truths, not just to survive, but to create a narrative that feels safe and manageable.
This journey has taught me that honesty isn’t just about telling the truth to others—it’s about having the courage to face the truth within ourselves, even when it’s uncomfortable.