SFH #209: Clarity is Kindness
Monday Mantra 🌟
The phrase "clarity is kindness" originates from Brené Brown's work. She first heard the concept, 'Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind,' in a 12-step program decades ago. She began implementing it in her personal life after seeing the data about most of us avoiding clarity because we tell ourselves we're being kind.1
In practice, clarity allows genuine connections to blossom and helps prevent misunderstandings or conflicts arising from murky communication.
I've personally found that much of my life was littered with half-truths and bullshit to deal with uncomfortable circumstances. I had always believed I'd be more cushy when others don't get mad at me or judge me because I've done something wrong or said something they don't approve of or agree with. It wasn't until I started practicing saying the scary thing (the honest thing) to family, friends, and colleagues that I saw more compassion and understanding.
It's certainly not easy to say the 'clear' thing when you suspect or know it won't be the most agreeable thing you are about to share. But when people hear the truth and see you own it, respect and trust are built. From here, we create both courage and kindness for ourselves. We are all imperfect humans. Most of us can acknowledge that. When we get clear with ourselves and others, we unlock the safety, security, and kindness we seek.
What's one thing you can be more clear about with yourself or someone you will encounter today?
Try it out and let me know about your results.
https://brenebrown.com/articles/2018/10/15/clear-is-kind-unclear-is-unkind/