Tell it to me straight

On my birthday last year, I asked my friends to "tell it to me straight." What do I need to see? What can I learn from you? It was an honest invitation, and the feedback I received was loving, yet uncomfortable in parts - firm, without sugarcoating or adding unnecessary embellishments, which I deeply appreciated. It was a great gift, filled with many insights and a sense of relaxation in being seen in all parts of me.

I view it as a practice to empower one another, and I’m applying it frequently. It requires courage, but also intelligence, presence, and care from the observer, and an openness and curiosity from the receiver, and the willingness to face uncomfortable truths and blind spots - qualities many shy away from. When we ask for honesty, we are not merely seeking raw opinions; we are fostering mutual trust and nurturing deeper relationships.

This practice is largely absent in today’s society. Many people fear honest conversations and, in doing so, miss out on valuable insights. There’s a meaningful role for us in creating a culture where we transform negative energy into one that is alive, creative, caring, and constructive. Constructive reflection is in service of our mutual growth. It's HOW we relate that creates meaningful relationships.

It is exactly the care that Open Up offers.⚡