By Erik Squire

The word Sincere is defined in the dictionary as “having or showing true feelings that are expressed in an honest way: genuine or real.” That is a perfect way to describe sincerity. Though, if I were to add to that description I would say that sincerity is a language utilized not so much by the mind but by the heart and soul. What’s meant by that is, sincerity’s primarily expressed and received through a deeper connection than mere comprehension by the brain.

The words we choose are of less importance then the heartfelt way in which we use them; at least when it comes to being sincere. Even the most articulated kind words can be spoken to others for a self-serving purpose. However, when someone says “I love you” or “your beautiful” because that person so truly cares for the other that the words have to escape that person’s mouth, that is sincerity.

Think about all of the truly meaningful moments in your life. No doubt they were each based in some amount of sincerity. The ones we love the most are the ones that love us most sincerely. The words that mean the most to us are those said sincerely. One could argue that the paramount contributor to happiness is sincerity, in whatever form it is present.

The purpose of this article is not to state the obvious rather it is as a gentle reminder of the importance of sincerity in our lives. When something happens so naturally, one hardly takes notice of it. The hope of this article is to push others to take notice of what is sincere in their perspective lives. Maybe sincerity once recognized, can be practiced more readily. Aristotle said “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Perhaps then, knowing sincerity is the beginning of all happiness.

Dedicated to Anna Puigbert- My dear friend, even in your broken English, your words are more profound to me than that of a scholar or a poet. You are among the most sincere beings that I have ever had the joy of knowing.