SINCERITY AND LOVE
Sincerity is an ingredient of love. Sincerity is being truthful, real, authentic, knowing what feels right, good and true. When we are sincere we reflect ethical and moral living. Truth gives us a sense of inner peace and freedom; and to be the highest expression of ourselves.
In a world influenced by social networks, illusive standards of success and happiness, our identity and behavior can be everchanging. The need for approval, to fit in, be accepted and validated can be exhausting. Living up to external and expectations, maintaining a suitable image and being excessively ambitious in unhealthy ways can result in disconnection from our true natural self. We become strangers and do not recognize who we have become.
Life is experienced through the lens of core beliefs that influence assumptions we hold about ourselves, others and our outlook on life. These beliefs, some formed during early childhood, may be limiting and do not reflect who we truly are. Out true self is obscured by external identities and limiting beliefs that should be exposed, acknowledged and transformed. Aristotle quotes, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom". Our authentic self is stable, unchanging; and the moral compass that guides our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Buddha quotes,"Inner freedom is not guided by our efforts; it comes from seeing what is true. Reject blind belief in traditions; accept only what passes personal observation, reason and promotes universal good". In our world today fear breeds hatred and negative thoughts, feelings and actions towards others. We are a reflection of what is going on inside of us. Buddha quotes,"The gift of truth excels all other gifts". Therefore, it is essential for us to know and seek truth.
Sincerity, being true to yourself, is living by your own standards without compromising moral values and worrying about what others think. Do what matters and what is really important. You can be true to yourself by knowing your worth, acknowledging your feelings, nurturing your inner child and developing a supportive network. Dr. Jean Marie highlights each.
Dr. Jean Marie shares Reflective questions, Journal prompts and Affirmations from her book, Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Journal Prompts and Affirmations.
Share your insights, experiences and observations. Email: jean72farish@yahoo.com
Access seminal books on Love by Dr. Jean Marie ~ Living in the Spirit of Love: Our Natural State of Being, Love Mastery Devotion Journal: Weekly 21-Day Journal Prompts and Affirmations and My Love Journal for children available in English and Spanish. Illuminating Writing, a new release, is an anthology of inspirational writings.
Closing excerpts include Self-Accountability, Self-Discernment and Self-Belief.