The Freedom of Honesty
Note from Jamie
I like to share things that light me up, fill me with joy, and make my life easier. Nothing is sponsored. These are just things that are helping me along my journey.
The Freedom of Honesty
A friend and I were talking last week about honesty.
If you know me, you know honesty is one of my deepest values. So when she shared a perspective I'd never considered before, it stopped me in my tracks.
She recently bought a cottage in Costa Rica. It's tucked away in a small town, and her dream is to renovate it into a place where good people from around the world can gather, rest, and connect.
Naturally, she's invited friends to come visit. Many people enthusiastically tell her, "I'd love to come!"
Then she said something that surprised me.
She'd actually rather hear, "I think what you're creating is amazing, and I'm so happy for you... but I don't see myself making the trek."
That kind of honesty felt refreshing.
It also made me think about my own life.
I'm not someone who lies. But I do often say things like, "We should get lunch sometime!" or "I'd love to meet for coffee!" And in that moment, I genuinely mean it.
The truth is, though, my calendar is usually full. If I find free time, I'm just as likely to ride my bike, jump on my trampoline, or go for a walk. The idea of spending time together sounds wonderful. Making it happen is another story.
Around the same time, another friend lovingly gave me a different kind of honesty.
She knew I'd been wrestling with a business decision for quite a while and asked how things were going. I told her I'd finally come up with a solution. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than where I had been.
She smiled and gently said, "It doesn't really solve the problem. It just changes the flavor of the problem."
Oof.
It wasn't criticism. It wasn't judgment. It was loving truth. And it was exactly what I needed to hear.
I'm so grateful for people who care enough to be honest with me... and kind enough to deliver that honesty with love.
Then there was my stack of library cookbooks.
I adore cookbooks, so naturally I checked out several. I imagined leisurely flipping through them, bookmarking recipes, and planning delicious meals.
Instead, I looked at the stack and felt overwhelmed.
I didn't know where to start, so I didn't start at all.
When I finally admitted that to myself, the answer became obvious. I returned most of the books, kept one, opened it up, and immediately found dozens of recipes I can't wait to make.
It struck me that honesty can be incredibly freeing.
Sometimes honesty isn't about telling someone else the truth. Sometimes it's about admitting the truth to ourselves.
Maybe I don't actually have time for five cookbooks.
Maybe I don't really want to drive across town for yoga.
Maybe I can celebrate someone else's dream without pretending it's also mine.
Kindness and honesty don't have to compete.
In fact, I think they make each other better.
I'm finding myself looking for more little pockets of life where I can be honest—with other people, but especially with myself. Every time I do, life feels just a little lighter. A little simpler. A little more aligned with what matters most.
Honesty, it turns out, isn't heavy.
It's freeing.
xoxo,
Jamie
Inspiration
Nourish Pick of the Week
Throat Chakra Roller Blend w/ Amazonite Crystals
This week's reflection is all about honesty—especially the courage to speak our truth with kindness.
For the past several months, I've been reaching for our Throat Chakra Roller Blend with Amazonite Crystals every morning and evening, rolling it over my neck as a simple reminder to ask for what I really want, say what I truly mean, and trust my own voice.
Sometimes the smallest daily rituals help us become the person we're trying to be.
Recipe of the Week
This week's recipe comes from my friend Anne Marie, who shared that everyone in her family loves these Chicken Piccata Meatballs—and they're even delicious enough to serve to guests!
I can't wait to make them.
Bright, lemony, buttery, and full of flavor, they sound like the perfect comforting meal.
Live well. Be kind.
Jamie
