It’s astonishingly easy for me to lie. “I didn’t say that, I didn’t mean that, you misunderstood.” “I’m sorry you feel that way,” instead of, “I’m sorry I’ve hurt you.” 

 I admire people who are honest about their impact and can say, through embarrassment and even shame, “It’s my fault. I see how that hurt you. I’m sorry. How can I make things right?” I admire myself when I’m honest like that, too.

Even more than admiration, though, when I’m honest, apologize, and repair, there’s freedom. The heart opens and the mind quiets. Change becomes more possible, personally, interpersonally, and on bigger levels as well: systemically, even politically. 

It’s our national birthday next week. What if we commit to moving forward into the next quarter millennium with honesty, courage, and a commitment to healing and repair?