When we are transparent in our daily lives and in our communications with others, we are promoting harmonious interactions with self and others. We most likely will foster good feelings within ourselves and in our relationships just by being authentic and transparent in our conversations with self and others.

(Permission has been granted to share the following experience.) A friend of mine went to a doctor with a medical problem. This doctor was on her list of preferred doctors; Therefore her medical plan would pay for the visit. However, she was not happy with the doctor’s manner and care. So she went to another physician — outside of the preferred list of medical providers — to seek a second opinion. My friend related to me the visit with the second doctor went well. And she felt served.

However, she needed to continue with the doctor within her medical plan for financial reasons. On her follow-up visit with the original doctor, she made the decision to be honest with him and let the doctor know she visited the second doctor and was taking the medication that doctor prescribed.

As it turned out, the follow-up visit went well with the original doctor. As a matter of fact, he was more attentive on the follow-up visit and agreed with the medication the second opinion doctor prescribed. Indeed my friend was rewarded for being transparent with both doctors. Her experience and practice of being honest and transparent was rewarded with harmony, healing and peace of mind within herself and in her communications with the doctors.

Without a doubt, it’s not always easy to be transparent. It can feel as if we are giving up our defenses and protective devices; yet how liberating. The self-satisfaction and good feelings inside for being forthright are gratifying and affirming. Thus, in being open and clear, we build relationships, intimacy and bring out the best in our conversations and relationships.