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Truth no. 2

2/28/2012

10 Comments

 
"You don't like the sound of the truth coming from my mouth" is the first line of this song by the Dixie Chicks. They learned this the hard way when they spoke out against war from a stage in London and ended up with FBI protection because of credible death threats.
Now whether you agree or disagree with the position they took, supposedly we all live in democracies which guarantee us freedom of speech. But the Dixie Chicks found out what is absolutely true in our world which is that when we speak our truth, we may not win any popularity contests!
Recently, I chose to speak my truth to someone close to me. It did not go down well. I could have lied, either by simply not saying how I felt or by speaking a lie outright. I chose to speak my truth.  Why am I doing this I thought even as I said the words. I will tell you why.
 
I grew up in a world where the truth was in short supply. I saw how the absence of truth wounded and maimed, not just  those to whom the lies were told but also those who lied. I have seen personally and professionally the legacy that lies leave behind. Sometimes it takes generations to undo the damage. 
So I think of my daughters and the legacy I want to leave them. My hope for them is that they will grow up in a world where truth is valued. I want them to know that they can speak their truth. I want them to comfortable speaking their truth. In the end, like every parent, I want them to have what I did not.

10 Comments
Angel link
2/28/2012 06:47:19 am

This is beautiful, Martine... I think it's something that we all struggle with in one way or another (and whether we want to admit it or not).

There are so many excuses for not telling the truth (he won't love me any more, she won't understand, I can't tell the truth now after all this time, etc...) but really none are valid are they... at least not if we're choosing to live in alignment with our highest values and ideals.

This is something that I'm dealing with even now... directly related to my family as well. It's hard... super hard. I believe, though, that if we can push through the hard it'll ultimately really be worth it...

<3

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Martine Brennan link
2/28/2012 07:01:08 am

That is the heart of it Angel, it's about how we choose to live! Thank you

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A O'Neal
2/28/2012 07:23:46 am

Maritine...

What a powerful article... To me what you speak of, truly, and deeply is the Rising in the Feminine. Women have for to long remained quiet and indifferent to one another about the truth, or have passed secrets amongst each other, instead of standing up to the world, and saying this is what I see, and ITS THE TRUTH!! All my women heros, are the ones that did everything extreme and original and were truly, truly feminine and not afraid show it, be it and live it. Isadora Duncan, Elenora Duse, Amelia Earhart, Anne Sexton, Anna Akhmatova, Maya Angelou, Anais Nin, Alice Walker, Mother Teresa, Florence Nightengale, Joan of Arc, Grace O'Malley (she's not a myth either) and all the women I have ever met who just said it the way it is..

This is a great time in the world for women, purely statically; supposedly there are more woman alive today over the age of 80 than in all the history of the world, thats some widsom!!! We as women have great healing to do, and soon, and quick because our voices are needed now more than ever now. I believe in keeping the Feminine, not surrendering it at all, for no one. Sadly it is amazing how many women will just hurt others for keeping this flame alive. My own voice grows louder and louder, my growl grows with each new day, and I know there will be a time, where I will never be quiet again. Educate your girls as you much as you can about amazing women, and not necessarily politicians, as this is not always an original path, that is through a male filter. For a woman to know herself truly she must value her Freedom above all, and she must gain the respect of her friends, her partner and her children for this, and if that is not possible, walk strong. I also do not say the feminine is only in women either, many men suffer for their femininity, especially today. There is a war out there, of the soul, and the Nurturer in us must take on our Kali energy as well as our Strength energy. Standing up for yourself, speaking the truth is more important than lying, Always!!! Blessings to you, and know you are not alone, we are all fighting the good fight, do not give up!! You are doing great things for people, and you are protected!!

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Martine Brennan link
2/28/2012 08:10:13 am

How I love your list of heroes, what a world we would live in if every girl child grew up wanting to be on that list and had all the support she needed to get there!

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Marie link
3/1/2012 02:35:13 pm

As someone who struggles with speaking her own truth right now in a difficult situation with someone close to me, this post hit me hard. I don't feel ready to speak my truth because I fear hurting this person, but instead, I am the one who is being hurt. You have really given me something to think about Martine - it makes me uncomfortable to think about it - but I KNOW you are speaking the truth to me right now!

Life is short, but truth works far and lives long: let us speak the truth ~ Arthur Schopenhauer

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Martine Brennan link
3/2/2012 03:43:34 am

Marie, I empathise with where you are right now. Your innate gentleness and care for the other person comes from such a loving place. I would like to invite you to consider joining our class to get some support for yourself if this would feel right for you. Either way, continue to hold compassion for yourself. As you do that you may find things begin to move in the way that is best for you both.

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Charles R. Hale link
3/2/2012 04:31:04 am

The older I get the more I dig for my "personal truth." At times the journey is difficult and painful, but in the end, cathartic. It seems truth is a simple, but not easy, concept.
I like the idea of music and story, Martine. I've tried that a time or two. Nice work; It really connects us to story, IMHO.
Charles

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Martine Brennan link
3/3/2012 10:15:26 pm

Simple but not easy, is just about where it is at Charles. But when we find our truth, it is worth more than gold.
I do find your blog an inspiration, thank you.

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Nancy's Point link
3/3/2012 03:33:52 pm

I'm a huge believer in truth-telling. Too often things get "sugar-coated." And as you said, everyone should be allowed to tell their own truth without fear of being judged, without fear period. Thanks for the post.

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Martine Brennan link
3/3/2012 10:20:39 pm

Everything changes when we get a handle on those often unconscious fears, Nancy. Many people know before they speak their truth that they will be judged/made feel unwelcome. When we have found a place of peace and strength inside, that changes even the most negative seeming outcome.

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