Find your truth

Recently something happened that stopped me in my tracks.

I was engaged in my usual mental competition – an anxious and forsaken voice was informing me that things would never change and I would feel terrible forever, while a tiny hopeful voice was encouraging me to stick things out and work harder to make life better.  This is a familiar conversation, usually never ending, while each voice talks over the other in order to be heard, and I grow weary and wish I could just stop listening.

But then it happened.  I just heard, very calmly and clearly, my truth.  It was two sentences, and it summed up everything I needed to know about myself, my life, and my future.

Interestingly enough, I had heard the same words before.  In fact, I had composed them myself, in my head, at a time when I was seeking a mantra to cope with my anxiety.  And now, just like then, the words reached me like nothing else could, calming my nerves and bringing me back to the present.  It has made such a difference in how I see and handle my life, so I encourage you too, to seek your truth.

What is “Your Truth?”  I don’t know.  It is unique to each individual.  It may a paragraph, a phrase, or only a word.  It may be a poem, or a song.  It may be a melody without words, or an image, or a place.  Only you can know what your truth is.

I can tell you what your truth is NOT.  It is not an affirmation.  It isn’t something that you need to tell yourself over and over again to make it stick – you will know the truth of your truth.  It is not a requirement or a guideline.  It doesn’t demand that you make changes or stick to goals in order for it to be true, it just is.  It is not fleeting.  It is a deep, profound realization that you know to be lasting and genuine.

You may find your truth through your spirituality or religion.  You may find your truth while out walking, or while stuck in rush-hour traffic.  You may find your truth while you are alone, or while you are surrounded by people.  You may find it in a book.  You may learn it from a teacher or mentor.  You may, like me, find your truth within the clatter of words inside your head.

You may recognize it right away, it may stop you in your tracks or take your breath away.  Or it may take days, months, years, to make itself known as a great and powerful truth of your life.  Still, don’t be afraid to seek your truth.  The journey is worthwhile.  And remember, you may not recognize it right away, but if it is really your truth, it will come back to you.