Being Real ....

Sitting on my patio, enjoying a beautiful morning outside. I feel blessed to enjoy the view I have and to be able to enjoy the simplicity of life in front of me. But let's be real!! As 'perfect' as it may appear, the reality of what is on the outside doesn't always match what is going on in the inside - can you relate?

You see, our lives are complicated and we become masters at presenting only the 'beautiful' perspective. Social media is a great example, where we typically find the 'perfect' photo to post and only the happy moments of our lives getting shared.

But here's the thing. While life is great, it is not always great!! Yes, there is a duality of our lives that exists and we often feel the need to only present one side of it, the happy-go-lucky, fun, and joyous part. But that's not real!!

Now don't get me wrong. I'm not proposing we all start posting and sharing the negative aspects that can impact our world, but I am saying that we have to find a way to open up and let the world around us in. That is, trust those close to us and choose to be real with them, allowing them to see the imperfections that make our lives the amazing things that they are!

So today I DARE you to be real. I DARE you to open up and share with someone a little part of you that is not so pretty. It doesn't have to be anything 'big', but just an honest statement about something that is going on in your life. And I bet, even if it's just admitting that life with 'Rona has become frustrating, or that you're over the piles of laundry that you have to do, you'll feel a little lighter and more free.

And for those of you that have faith, remember that The Big Guy invites us to "Cast all [our] anxiety on him because He cares for [us]", (1 Peter 5:7). He wants to know the good, the bad, and the ugly too - so reach out and talk to Him, for He'll listen no matter the time of day!

Here's to being real, saying it how it is, and the sweet simplicity of imperfection. Life is for living - all aspects of it, so go out there and embrace it!!