These odds represent my premise: society penalizes honesty. Honesty with those around you, and more importantly, honesty with yourself. Feel free to question my premise. Of course, then I would have to question your life experience. The benefits of being honest are simply not enough to overcome the barriers we as humanity have set for ourselves. 

As children, we are told to not lie, cheat or steal. As we grow older, we suddenly feel those constraints become looser. The constraints are compromised for each item on a checklist we are provided – a degree – a job – a house – a secure life. Where do you draw the line? When your integrity is tested, it should be a black and white response. Do what’s right. Right? Nope. The grey area comes in, and it becomes a trial to decide whether you can walk the talk you so badly want to represent. 

If you have ever stood up for what is true,  do stand up for what’s true, you will most likely be faced with a few friends holding you in deeper respect, but a whole lot more people laughing at you. How do you shake off the qualifiers of idealism, naivety, and righteousness and accept your decision to do the right thing?

No clue. My solution is prayer, and keeping those who respect me for the principles I hold close to my heart, close to my heart.

Finishing off with a poem:

Black and white principles
Crystal clear decisions
Wipe the dust away
To reveal
Cobwebs.
Life’s finer shades of grey.