Being honest is a challenge in today's world.So much is designed to distract us from our feelings and internal needs,shifting our focus onto our immediate wants instead.(Pop-up windows:Need I say more?)

But what would happen if we were truly honest with ourselves and others throughout our days? Would we even know how to handle the awesome responsibility of honesty?

More importantly, do we know how to be honest? For many of us, the answer is no.
If you,too, are someone who doesn't exactly know the difference between being truly,respectfully honest with yourself and the world,and simply blurting out whatever's on your mind at all times(which is not so much honest as it is self-centered),then you'll want to read on to learn some tools that can help you discover the difference.

AFFIRMATIONS are often viewed as a means of building self-esteem,but when used properly, they can help us balance our view of ourselves in the world around us.
When you state,for example, "I am a valuable contributor to this work team,"
you remind yourself that your opinion counts,too,and give yourself permission to speak up about a problem at hand,rather than disrespecting your work team with unspoken resentments.(Remember,just because a resentment isn't spoken out loud doesn't mean it's not recognized by others.)

JOURNAL EXERCISES are another way to really get in touch with your feelings,both good and bad,about any situation.The more you practice this, the easier it becomes.And when you journal about your feelings,you begin to clearly see your motives behind what you say and do.

LISTENING is always a valuable skill.This doesn't just mean pausing to allow time for others to speak.It means really paying attention to who's speaking,what they are saying,and even how they're saying it. Make eye contact.Nod in agreement from time to time when you agree with a point that's being made.Pay attention to body language or other cues about the speaker's attitude,in order to better understand their hidden motives and meanings.


Once you've taken in all the information before you about your situation-both from your perspective and others who are involved-you can then make a decision as to how to proceed to resolve it.(Remember,resolutions can occur in positive situations, too,such as when settng a goal and attaining it!)
Self- awareness,self-respect,and respect for the world at large will help you honestly assess and resolve all situations you encounter every day,as long as you practice them regularly.


BIO:Kealah(KEE-la)Parkinson is a communications coach,as well as a professional writer,editor and speaker who has worked with clients that range from individuals to Fortune 500 companies.She blogs about communication-from vocabulary words to conflict resolution techniques-each week at Beyond Talk(www.BeyondTalk.blogspot.com).