A plausible lie is defined as a seemingly valid, yet untrue, statement. When it is repeated over time and goes unchallenged, the plausible lie becomes accepted as truth. It is a term most associated with the courtrooms and the political arenas of our country, yet I can’t help but think it is more prevalent in our daily lives than we would like to think.
How often have we heard people use the excuse that they didn’t have time to do something? How often have we heard someone say, well, if I didn’t belong, I’d weigh a lot more? We can even justify this in our minds by reminding ourselves of all the things we are doing. Yet, sometimes the truth is, we simply chose not to do it.
How many times have we told ourselves we can’t do something, offering all the excuses for why we are unable? Yet the truth is we may be unwilling to try or do what it takes to be successful.
I don’t believe any of us ever start out wanting to be masters of the plausible lie. It simply became easier to justify our inaction than to risk failing by trying again when things go awry. In truth, the work it takes to sustain the lie over time is probably greater than the work necessary to head back down the path we say we want to travel in the first place.
I wonder if or how the plausible lie may play a role in my own life.
- Do I create seemingly valid statements that I repeat to myself over time, justifying my lack of action or achievement?
- Is it time to hold myself more accountable and accept responsibility for lack of action in some areas?
- Am I completely truthful with myself?
- Has it become easier for me to justify inaction than take responsibility for it?!
I think I need to take time to rethink what I say and do.
That seems like a plausible truth to me.
I Care, Barb
If we follow the TRUTH, it will bring us out SAFE at last.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
By Carol L Kosht October 15, 2013
I understand what you were trying to get at, but this statement about “How often have we heard someone say, well, if I didn’t belong, I’d weigh a lot more?” really bothered me. Before I started TOPS I weighed 318 pounds. I lost 31 immediately after getting out of an unhappy marriage but was afraid I would gain it back as I have done so often before. My friend suggested I join TOPS and I did. With the help of TOPS over time I lost another 94 pounds. Then I had a family tragedy and fell back into my old way of eating. For the last 3 years I have been struggling, going up and down the scale, trying crazy stupid diets, etc. I gained back 60 pounds. I am now back on track, eating healthy and in the last 4 weeks I have lost 12 pounds the healthy way. If it were not for the fact that I knew without my TOPS support that I would be way over 318 pounds because that had been my pattern in the past (I have lost over 100 pounds and gained it back and more several times in my life before TOPS), the only reason I stayed in TOPS is it gives me hope and the belief that someday I will reach my goal and “if I didn’t belong, I’d weigh a lot more.”
By Barb Cady October 15, 2013
Great feedback… it is obvious that you are learning and growing through your journey and are very proactive about what you are accomplishing. TOPS believes in you and your ability to make changes and keep going even when life throws you some major curve balls. You are definitely not using that expression to excuse “not trying” which sometimes has been the context in which it was uttered by some. You use TOPS support in the most positive, productive way and I salute you for your determination!
By Catherine E. Meyers October 25, 2013
Dear Barb,
As a recent member who has rejoined TOPS I have to first say how very grateful I am to have this wonderful program to attend regularly for support and encouragment.
As a recovering A. A. member 18 years clean and sober in January 2nd 2013, I understand the essential importance of being truthful with yourself. Honesty is and was an absolute must for me in order to get contented sobriety, one day at a time. I know now that it is the same in TOPS, and this will make all the difference for me. I have to say this challenge of making a life style change, and really my addiction to sugar and carbs is much more difficult than any craving I ever had with alcohol. This is something I am coming to terms with and have made up my mind to commit to getting honest and truthful about this. Thanks you for shooting straight from the hip. .
Catherine Meyers