There’s a quote from Star Wars that says, “Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering.”
If you’re unfamiliar with the trilogies, it is said by Yoda, a small, green Jedi Knight who is full of wisdom in his old age. I’ve always loved this quote. It’s one that my mind goes back to time and time again because I often find myself fearful. I lack self confidence.
Lately when I’ve been thinking about that quote, I’ve been reframing it to understand where my own fears take me. In my case, it’s not necessarily to the Dark Side, as it is in Star Wars, but it’s still to a dark place.
My fear leads to quiet, quiet leads to insecurity and insecurity leads to lying. Lying about how I’m feeling, what I’m thinking and who I am. Lying to myself. Lying to others. It’s not a healthy path, and it’s one that prevents me from showing emotion and empathy.
That is not someone I want to be, “a liar.”
No one wants to be a liar, especially when you’re the only one who knows of the lie.
-Cliff
Cliff’s Note: Selfish lying effects yourself and those closest to you - wearing a mask instead of a cape.