Let's Start with Honesty

I'm really beginning to dislike the phrase "fake it 'til you make it".

I understand the concept, but it's just never worked for me. Maybe that's why I dislike it. In any case, I have a couple thoughts about why it bothers me.

I've never been the type of person to fake "okay-ness" easily. Sure, I'm good at sporting a stoic face when I'm feeling turbulent internally. The problem is when I'm expected to smile when I'd rather break down.

The smile always feels caked onto my face. It isn't real, and it probably doesn't look like it is.

I've found that, contrary to conventional advice, I'm at my best when I'm honest with myself about how I'm feeling. There's no "faking it" that has a prayer of helping me make it. I can only do that with authenticity.

The emotions I feel on a daily basis need to be acknowledged. They need to be respected, honored, and valued. And when I do that for them, I always find that they'll quiet themselves down in due time.

That's when I truly find peace. That's when I truly start to "make it".

If you're like me and you've found that the saying doesn't ring true for you, maybe starting and ending with honesty is exactly what you need.

Your complexity, your turbulence, your inner world is beautiful in its edges and its cracks. Don't you dare let anyone convince you otherwise.

As always, keep breathing.

-D.