The Truth We Owe Each Other

Honest, kind, courageous, keep-it-real truth is never easy. Speaking up, standing up, and saying what needs to be said has become harder and harder in today’s political and social climate. We are living in a moment where sharing your truth feels less safe, and hearing someone else’s truth feels increasingly rare.

Somewhere along the way, we stopped listening to understand. We started listening to react.

Instead of being present with someone else’s experience, we gear up to defend our own. We prepare our rebuttal, sharpen our argument, and focus on proving why we are right and they are wrong. In this dynamic, nobody grows. Nobody feels seen. Nobody feels safe enough to actually tell the truth.

But truth, real truth, is an act of love.

Not the weaponized version of “just being honest.” Not the performative kind we use to win an argument. Not the kind that seeks confirmation rather than connection.

I’m talking about truth spoken with intention. Truth delivered with courage. Truth that makes room for the humanity of everyone involved.

My Truth. Your Truth. The Truth.

Each of us carries our own truth: the stories we have lived, the experiences that shaped us, the beliefs we hold because they helped us survive. When we share our truth, we are offering something vulnerable and real.

But someone else’s truth is equally valid, even when it challenges ours.

And the truth, the bigger truth, often lives somewhere in the middle. It’s the space where perspectives meet, where understanding expands, where empathy grows, and where we find the possibility of something better than what any of us could see on our own.

Leaning into this kind of truth requires courage. It requires humility. It requires the willingness to be uncomfortable. It asks us to soften instead of armor up, to listen instead of lecture, to stay curious instead of defensive.

Why Truth Matters More Than Ever

We live in a time when misinformation spreads faster than understanding. When outrage earns more attention than empathy. When being right seems more important than being whole. In times like this, truth, real, honest, heart-centered truth, is radical.

Truth creates belonging. Truth builds trust. Truth opens doors we didn’t even know were closed.

And when truth is spoken with love, it becomes a bridge. As Mother Teresa reminded us:

“Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

Truth, spoken with love, has the power to do exactly that.

So… Why Hoodies?

You may wonder: why did PointNorth launch a merchandise line of hoodies?

It’s a fair question. We’re known for strategy, communication, facilitation, community engagement and not fashion.

But here’s the honest truth: this year has been tough. We are not hearing each other’s truth. We’re talking more loudly and listening less deeply. And in times like these, sometimes all we can do is go back to our core: being brave, choosing kindness, giving generously, and living our North.

The hoodies aren’t just apparel. They are a reminder that inspires action.

A reminder to stay grounded. A reminder to lead with courage and compassion. A reminder that kindness is a choice and so is truth.

As you wrap up the year and reflect on your truth, where you’ve grown, what you’ve survived, what you’ve learned, perhaps also consider the truths of those around you. Perhaps consider what it means to create space for listening again.

And if you feel inspired to support our small business on a mission to launch a world of kindness, one where listening matters and truth is our love language, well, maybe a hoodie is a pretty good place to start.

Truth Is Our Love Language

It takes bravery to tell the truth. It takes wisdom to hear the truth. And it takes deep humanity to recognize that none of us owns the whole truth.

When we treat truth as an act of love, everything shifts. We stop trying to win and start trying to understand. We stop shouting over each other and start leaning in. We stop fearing the discomfort and start honoring the courage it takes to show up authentically.

Let’s return to truth. Let’s practice truth. Let’s speak truth in ways that heal, not hurt.

Because truth, not the sharp-edged kind, but the compassionate, connected, courageous kind, is a love language. One that our families, our workplaces, our communities, and our country desperately need.