Truth Never Travels Alone
When people cross borders from one culture to another, they often encounter cultural shocks. We have open cultures and those that are not so open, for better or worse. So, when we transition from a less open culture to one where freedom of thought and speech is protected, we experience one of the most profound cultural shocks possible.
I come from a very conservative culture where truth is not seen as empowering but can be life-threatening. Being an atheist and advocating for people’s right to be themselves often results in violence in my home culture. Yet now, I live in a society that is, relatively speaking, freer than what I’m accustomed to. For the first time, I can speak clearly, honestly, and from the depths of my heart.
But are these cultural shocks really beneficial? Imagine trying to live in a culture that stifles freedom of thought, expression, and the freedom to live as you choose. Now, picture leaving that culture and arriving in a place where you can suddenly express yourself freely. It’s like taking your first breath.
Honesty and truth become a new reality, although there are, of course, some caveats, and I am fully aware of them. Once you start living one truth in your life fully, there’s no turning back. Truth begins to govern your existence, and the maze constructed from mistruths and lies seems to crumble and disappear. In this vanishing act, we discover our true selves.
But what about the self that made decisions and lived an entire life in the shadow of those mistruths? What happens to those decisions made because our truth wasn’t strong enough?
Can they persist? Will truth also shatter them?
I think this is a reality that conflicts with my ideology but I hope my reality can withstand this ideology.
Because otherwise, I fear it's the woods for me.
