Far From Perfect

I feel that it is time that I confess something. I know it may come as a surprise, but I am actually not perfect. I know, I know! It's hard to believe, but I too am human and make mistakes and fall flat on my face (pretty much all of the time).

I think it is so easy to see someone on social media and to think that their life is perfect, or they are the perfect parent or the perfect spouse, but it's not true. Behind the scenes, there are quarrels and mistakes, low points and extremely low points. There are tear stained faces in place of those gleaming smiles and there are heartbreaks that often feel devastatingly final.

Our generation has to deal with an enormous amount of pressure to put on a happy face and appear to have all of our junk together. There is an incredible amount of pressure to do it all and be it all. I find myself so often looking at someone's Facebook feed and wishing I could live their happy life and be that fun momma or that adoring spouse. I wish I could go on that warm vacation to the Caribbean or make a half million dollars by working from home.

What we don't see are the penny's saved, the time waited, the extra hours at work, the tantrums after the photo session, the tension when a spouse doesn't "love" what was eaten for dinner, or whatever negative or imperfect things that happen in every day life. Most people don't want to hang out their dirty laundry for all to see, and I totally get it.

I also don't want everyone to know my deepest darkest secrets and regrets, but can I confess something else? Learning how to be more open and vulnerable has been extremely liberating. This blog has actually been one of the most healing forms of self-prescribed therapy I have ever had. It's almost like these burdens or these parts of my life that constantly weigh me down, don't have quite as much power over me.

It has also been extremely humbling. I have found that as I open up, people have reached out to me, opened their hearts to me and have told me that they too are struggling with depression or don't exactly "love" the toddler phase. I have received such a tremendous outpouring of love and support. It has helped me to reconnect with people and has opened my heart to new relationships.

I am not saying that everyone should just put all of their frustrations and negativity out there either. I have had experiences with those people and that's a difficult situation as well, but I do think that we aren't really doing each other any favors by trying to put on a brave face all of the time. I also firmly belive that there are some things that aren't meant for social media, instead they should be directed to a close friend or family member, someone who truly loves you and wants what it best for you.

I guess what I am trying to say is no one is perfect, no matter how much it appears to be so on the outside, everyone struggles. With the guidance of the Spirit, you can know to whom and when it is appropriate to divulge personal issues. I try to say a prayer every time I sit down at the computer to type. I pray that I can be open and share what needs to be shared without overexposing my family or myself, and every time I have followed those impressions I have been blessed tenfold.

Remember, we're all in this together.