I’ve seen at least three sources of transparency.

the first source is a lack of self awareness.

This kind of transparency comes from a place that fails to account for the real world. Without a sensitivity to the perceptions of others, this kind of transparency happens automatically, without much thought or, worse yet, without consideration of how others may interpret one’s innermost thoughts. This transparency may feel endearing at first, but quickly becomes offensive.

Second source: a lack of self control.

This transparency is like a bull in a china shop, causing destruction at nearly every turn. The justification of this transparency is shrouded, as, it says, “I am only processing verbally, what’s the problem with that?” The problem is a lack of self control, not everyone needs to hear your every thought. Process is important, but not everyone needs to know the process. Often, the process is not the final product, yet others are not following along your every word, and they tend to only latch on to a few (destructive) stops along the way.

The final source of transparency, that I have observed, comes from a lack of selfishness.

This is a good transparency. It’s intentional and deliberate; calculated in such a way as to build relationships and reveal vulnerability. When a person is transparent in this way, for this reason, he or she is not interested in PROTECTING self, but carefully admitting weakness to offer true hope to others.

Let us be transparent–the world needs our authenticity! — but let’s not let it happen because we are clueless or because we lack self control. Instead, let us BE ABSOLUTELY REAL in order to connect with others…

Last time you were open, authentic, what was moving you? What do you think about all of this? sound off in the comments below.

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