A kind reader recently said–likely with tongue firmly in cheek–that my secrets are safe with her. Joke or not, I appreciated her comment and am grateful for such friends.
In actuality, I don’t fear my “secrets” being exposed because I attempt to live my life in such a way that my actions on my worst day wouldn’t be worth the breath it would take to gossip about me, and I tend to share my “secrets” with the world. Heck, I’ve written whole books which contain all kinds of embarrassing and often humorous things about myself. Well, they were humorous to me afterwards.
When I make a mistake or feel that I’m out of integrity on something, I tend to immediately tell my loved ones so they hear it straight from me. I’ve found it wise to cut out the middleman/gossip in such situations.
For those reasons, people rarely appear to bother to gossip about me, those who hear gossip about me already know the truth and are able to immediately correct any possible inaccuracies, my loved ones won’t be hurt by a secret about me being revealed, and I never have to fear the truth.
With Love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
So true, Russ. Every word of it! Thanks for sharing, my friend!
Cathy
Thank you, my friend!
Russ
I want to be just like you when I grow up, which I’m sure I’ve said before, but I sincerely mean it!
LOL! Thank you for taking the time to say such a wonderful thing. As I see it, you’re giving so much to the world by being you that I think there is a good chance if you were like someone else the world would come out behind on the deal.
Russ
Sometimes I wish I had a secret… my life seems such an open book to all and sundry…
I’ll bet there are secrets you keep from yourself about some of your positive attributes that others see but about which you are blind. You have many. Thank you for brightening my life by being in it.
Russ
Like you I believe in honesty… and even if no one ever or would ever know i did something I shouldn’t probably have done…. I would share it… maybe not with everyone but with the ones who matter… Some would call that clearing the conscience… I call it being open and honest… Diane
“Clearing the conscience”. I like the sound of that too. Like you, I don’t like the extra burden of keeping secrets about myself. When I speak them, the burden goes away.
Russ
That is the way to be, open and true! It does come across in your story , that you are a wonderful character and I am so lucky to be a friend of you, Russ. Thank you!
I’m glad you feel lucky to be my friend, Ute, as that is the also the way I feel about our friendship. And grateful. Thank you for your kind comment and the many way you inspire joy in my life.
Russ
Russ you are such a kind-hearted soul ~ how could anyone gossip in any way except to say how wonderful you and your beloved are! ♥
I’m touched by your wonderful comment! I’m not sure that saying kind things about others is technically gossip, but if it is, I could really get into it and have no doubt you’d be gossiped about a lot.
Russ
As would you dear friend xoxo
Nicely put Ross. Secrets are for hiding and there is often a feeling of shame if they were to be revealed. There is a tense and restrictive energy around them.
Being authentic and open is much more healthy – for ourselves and in relationship to others 🙂
You are a person who is open, warm hearted and shares from your heart. 🙂
Speaking of hearts, your comment warms mine. Thank you for the warmth, brightness, wisdom, and smiles you bring to my life, Val.
Russ