Lies

Why do we pretend for others?

Why do we put on our best face no matter what?

Why do we fake our feelings?

If we are having a bad day, we should feel free to share it and be honest and real with our friends.  If we are having an amazing day, we should feel free to be excited about it with those we care about. 

Instead, we moderate our feelings.  Our bad day becomes okay.  Our great day becomes good.  That event we are terrified of gets ignored.  The appointment we are excited about is kept quiet just in case it doesn't work out.

I watched a couple of movies with my girls recently where the main female character was unique, honest and confident in her uniqueness.  She wasn't swayed by those around her.  She had a positive outlook on life that drew everyone in and brought light to other's lives.  I know this is a character in a movie and not a real person, but the question screams, "Why are we drawn to these characters?  Why are these characters our favorites?"

My answer is because they are honest.  Even if you take away the positive aspect and look at a character like Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino.  We love his character because he is honest and real.

Why can't we be more honest?  Why can't we be more real with one another?  Why is it so difficult to wash away the fake smile and greetings that fill our list of "supposed to's?"

I am challenging myself to be more real each day.  I believe I am better than I used to be, but I know I have plenty of room to grow.  I'm trying to remember to tell you how much you mean to me and to give you an honest answer to your question rather than always deferring to what you want.  You are asking me what I want because you want to know.  I want to be better at stating my weaknesses and celebrating my strengths and accomplishments.  I also want to be better at accepting your weaknesses and rejoicing in your strengths and accomplishments.

Sometimes, I get tired.  Sometimes I get tired of always being polite or kind even when no one else is polite or kind.  Sometimes I get tired of always being positive or cheerful or helpful.  Sometimes I am simply tired.  I want it to be okay to be tired.  I want it to be okay to sit quietly.  I want it to be okay to struggle.  I want it to be okay to succeed.

Perhaps when we begin being completely honest with ourselves we will begin to be more honest with each other.

I want to challenge you to be honest.  I want to challenge you to put your foot forward even if it isn't your best.  I want to challenge you to be the unique person you were created to be and stop copying your neighbor.  Walk proudly in your own shoes.  Walk confidently on your own path.

Everyone will notice when you are uniquely you and perhaps they will be encouraged to be uniquely themselves as well.