The insincerity of trying to be sincere
There are so many different opportunities we have every day to be sincere and we often give it our best try, but in the final analysis, we aren’t. That doesn’t mean your a bad person, it just means you’re human. Think about it, we shake hands with someone and it’s just two hands meeting instead of what a handshake is supposed to be. Sometimes we hug others, even our friends or family and we hug by barely touching each other and most certainly aren’t conveying anything other than a quick “Hi” followed by “let’s move on now!” Probably the most common insincerity we have is with our words. We toss off a quick “thanks” or “good for you” or even “I love you” without thinking, almost like second nature.
Why do we do these things? We want to be sincere and many times, think we’re accomplishing just that! The truth though, is that we aren’t.
There are as many reasons that we miss the mark as there are examples of it probably. Here are a few to consider…
We’re very busy…
We feel awkward having to really express ourselves…
We really don’t feel sincere about the situation…
It is what it is…
And so many more….
Now comes the hard part. Over the next few days, take a look at your interactions with others and ask yourself if you’re being as sincere as you possibly can be, then, start small! Take strides to make sure that you understand your feelings and then do the same to make sure that whoever you’re speaking with truly understands your feelings behind your comments and compliments too.
(Be aware here that others are facing the same challenges as you do. The only difference is that you’re aware of them and they might not be. So again, go slowly and don’t be discouraged if others don’t seem to “get it.”)
With those you love and care about, hold those hugs just a few seconds longer.
Make sure and keep your eye contact when your talking and let others “see” what you mean, not just hear what you’re saying.
It all boils down to honesty. I’m not talking just about honesty with others but honesty with yourself! You’ve got to be honest with yourself before you can be honest with the rest of the world. It’s scary to trust others. It’s scary to open yourself up and be vulnerable. It’s scary to show others how you really feel. As scary as it is, it’s also SO worth it! You’ll be amazed at the improvements you’ll see and feel as you slowly begin to live your life with more and more sincerity.
In the final analysis, There are so many different opportunities we have every day to be sincere. With a little self-realization and willingness, we can and will move from “giving it our best try,” to making a real difference in our lives and the lives of all those we come in contact with. As with all of the decisions we face in life though, it’s up to us.
My sincere wish is that you begin and continue those small steps and they are as meaningful for you as they have been for me.
Peace…
Gregg