The Truth Will Set You Free!

Just like standing on a mountaintop, being a more truthful person feels amazing.

The Truth About Telling the Truth: Even Small Lies Matter

Shannon’s October update

I’ve realized that my biggest AHA moments seem to hit me when I’m hiking by myself with my dog or biking with my girlfriends, so I try to do one of these every day or every other day.

On a recent bike ride, we were talking about what values we try to live by in each of our families. We had an inspiring list going, and one that I shared was “always tell the truth.” Even if it’s hard. Even if it means facing consequences. Even when we’re totally in the wrong, we aim to stick to the truth. Then one of my friends said they do the same thing, except they go one step further with “always tell the truth or just don’t lie.”

Big AHA moment for me. I’d been treating “always tell the truth” as a rule for the big stuff—but not for the small, everyday moments. I caught myself telling tiny white lies all the time, even when they weren’t really needed.

I noticed how I’d bend the truth to avoid saying no or needlessly explaining myself. If someone asked me to volunteer for something and I didn’t feel like it, I’d say, “Oh, I’d love to, but I’m just so busy!” Or if my kids caught me on my phone and I didn’t want to admit I was on Instagram, I’d say I was “checking work stuff.” I realized I was sprinkling little lies all over the place, which is not the mom, friend, or person I want to be. And suddenly, making this small shift felt huge.

Now, here’s the funny part—being honest actually takes so much weight off. I don’t need to come up with excuses or remember what I told someone last time. The truth is a lot easier to remember! So I’m committing to lead by example and follow “always tell the truth or just don’t lie,” even in the small moments we don’t think matter.

I challenge you to give it a try!

In those big, important moments, always tell the truth—but try catching the little white lies, too. Notice those moments when a small fib sneaks in and see if you can replace it with simple honesty. And remember, the whole truth isn’t always necessary right away; just aim to choose honesty over hiding behind a lie.

That said…with Christmas around the corner and a 6-year-old counting down to Santa, I think it’s safe to say some things are still mom-approved fib territory! 😂

3 truths, 1 lie. Can you spot my lie? Read on for the answer.

1) I have been on a cruise to Alaska.

2) I have seen the Northern Lights in Finland.

3) I have only had 1 concussion.

4) I had an Axolotl as a pet growing up.

Quote of the month

“The truth is still the truth, even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie, even if everyone believes it.”

Here’s my main truth for the day – I love keynote speaking, and I love sharing my energy, passion, and enthusiasm with audiences around the country! Winter is booking up fast, so please reach out HERE if you want some of my energy on your stage!