Is it time for some truth telling?

“Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth-telling, truth-speaking, truth living, and truth-loving.” ― James E. Faust

Ever since I was a young girl I’ve been a truth teller.  My career coaching clients and author friends call me a catalyst, a lightening bolt, your personal wake-up call. I am the person who sees and acknowledges what’s not being said. In fact, if I pretend I don’t see front and center–whether it be about myself or someone close to me–I become physically ill. Whether I share my truths through song, poetry, journaling or more overtly–through direct, heart-felt dialogue–I can’t live in denial. I have to acknowledge what is present.

We’re living in times where truth-telling is essential to the human experience and to living in integrity. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.”  Whether it’s voicing what you’re seeing or feeling about how we’re treating the earth, our neighbors in Syria or what’s happening in your career or close relationships– truth-telling can be hard. But it’s potent and can transform us.

At a recent workshop for seasoned small business owners, I was visiting with two long-time entrepreneurs who both shared they were getting clear, repeated signs it was time to let their business go. They knew it was time to harness and redirect their energy towards “what’s next.” But, easier said than done. Both have spent years and a good chunk of change investing in their brands and felt torn around the idea of quitting, even if they knew it was the right thing to do.

Are you getting signs that something is no longer working and needs to evolve (or be released)?

Maybe you’re navigating a tough time and there’s something in your life, work/business or relationship you’re avoiding or not seeing? I invite you to call forth your inner strength and courage, grab a journal/pen and consider the following:
1. What is most important to me at my current life stage (what do I most value or want more of)?
2. Who or what in my life am I avoiding or in denial about (be kind to yourself, this is not easy)?
3. What is my life trying to tell me; what am I refusing to hear (hint: look at what’s not working)?
4. If I asked my Wise Self (read more) where I should be focusing my energy right now, what would he/she say?

I encourage you to invite in curiosity and compassion, ask for support from trusted friends or a coach/therapist (read more) and know that just because the veil has been lifted, doesn’t mean you have to rush to action. Timing is key. Reflect on what is being revealed and thoughtfully meditate on the best course of action. We’re all doing the best we can where we are. And, we’re all in this together.

IN TRANSITION AND SEEKING CLARITY & SUPPORT?  Join me and like-minded women for an upcoming retreat  (I’ll be leading A New Way of Being Jan. 26-28 at Kripalu), reach out to explore having me create a custom work-life balance workshop for your team or employees in 2018 or download one of my life balance telecourses  (ideal if you like self-paced learning and support from the comfort of your own home, car or office). View all the ways we serve here.

Subscribe here to Live Inside Out, a weekly blog written by life balance coach/speaker/author Renée Peterson Trudeau. Passionate about helping men and women find their center through the art/science of self-care, her work has appeared in The New York Times, Good Housekeeping, Spirituality & Health and more. Thousands of women in ten countries are becoming RTA-Certified Facilitators and leading/joining Personal Renewal Groups based on her award-winning self-care curriculum.  She is the author of  three books on life balance including the award-winning The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and 15 year-old son. More on her background here.

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