Committing to Honesty and The Truth in 2022
When I see people stand fully in their truth, or when I see someone fall down, get back up, and say, ‘Damn. That really hurt, but this is important to me and I’m going in again’ — my gut reaction is, ‘What a badass
— Brené Brown
I’ve never been good at playing the “Telephone” game. Mostly because it’s not particularly fun. I have very clear diction and enunciation, so when I see a single word or phrase get garbled up as it goes around a circle, my mind sort of explodes like my exploding head Memogi.
I’m an open book. I have nothing to hide. That’s why my scars are literally on display, and I encourage anyone and everyone to ask me anything they want.
So, when I discovered this past week (on Christmas Eve no less) that I was the subject of an intentional whispering campaign by my new neighbors who gather at the restaurant and lounge right below my new home every evening accusing me of trying to “get it on” with the very friendly and welcoming restauranteur who had loaned me furniture when I had none a few months ago. I was taken aback.
Why whisper and pass it on until everyone knows something ridiculously incorrect and tempers seethe unnecessarily when I’m RIGHT THERE and have absolutely no clue? Why not just ask me directly? Long and short, It was really ugly behavior, but more than that it delayed my ability to get to the truth with everyone here and openly share who I am, and most importantly who I love and have absolutely no interest in whatsoever. But I was so late to the game, I couldn’t change the message.
Perhaps I’m too honest. And I suppose Sun Tsu would say I’m terrible at the “Art of War “or “Strategy,” (depending on your reading of the Chinese). But in my mind, and those I connect most closely and honestly with, life is too short for War Games and deception. In fact, someone even piped in all the way from Scotland to say just that. “LIFE IS TOO SHORT”. And anyone who’s faced real challenge and tragedy in their lives knows that wholeheartedly, especially as Covid, Climate Change, Opioid Addiction, Hunger, Loneliness and Inequity rage around the world. Brene Brown so wisely reminds us of this in her tome of poetry and contemplations on life and wholehearted living.
But then I realized the false accusation had forced me to take a critical look back at myself. And realize that I actually haven’t been living wholeheartedly. And I was really GOOD at War, because I’d actually effectively hidden a Truth I have known for almost 9 years even from myself, let alone the other person. I have been in a committed relationship with someone else, because no one has ever come remotely close to who he is and what we share, despite the fact that we live half a world apart. And if I’d said that sooner, all this nonsense and nonsensical waste of time could have been avoided.
So, this year, I’m doubling down on my commitment to Honesty and The Truth from myself and others in my life. Because now is the time. And I’m here and want to use it openly, truthfully wisely, courageously and wholeheartedly.
And I hope you too can find your Wholehearted Honesty and Truth in 2022.
Holly Lynch is a 20+ year ESG and DEI communications veteran, board member, strategist and investor who has helped individuals and companies tackle the toughest challenges, transitions and transformations in their worlds. Having survived countless life setbacks and two rounds with terminal cancer, while seeing the country-wide collapse of the systems and safety nets for the most vulnerable in and outside our communities, she is now shifting her life and career trajectories to focus on coaching and consulting with those facing down fundamental shifts and transitions as they try to adapt to change while rebuilding their lives and businesses during these unprecedented times.
