Isn’t it so easy to get the idea that everyone else but you is living the perfect kind of life? That everyone else is always dressed so pretty, and feeling so good, and doing all the right things all the time? I feel that way sometimes. Especially when I compare my life to the lives I see of others online…everything looks perfect when you see it online. I know I’ve talked about this before, but it bears mentioning again: things are not always as they appear, whether that’s online or in person. We humans are so good at hiding ourselves and our struggles, and all that really does is send a false message of perfection to those around us.
I am a recovering perfectionist (as I like to call it), which means that I can very easily give out that false message of perfection. I know that I have many, many times in my life. There is definitely a balance to find in that, because we all know those people who are opposite of perfectionism and spend all their time pouring out their troubles and difficulties. No one likes to be around someone like that for an extended period of time.
So what do we do…? I think we just be real. We smile when we’re having a fantastic day, and we smile when we’re having a difficult day but we also be completely honest and vulnerable when someone who cares about us asks how we are doing. Don’t hide yourself. People will love you for it, trust me.
One of the greatest gifts you can offer a spouse, child, or friend is your vulnerability. By being vulnerable and honest, you give them the chance to be the same. And that is a great gift.
I made a little list of “sometimes,” which isn’t hugely profound but just shows that not every single day is sparkly and full of adventure. Some days are just normal and quiet, and I like that.
/ / Sometimes I put my hair up in a messy bun and wear sweats all day, but sometimes I put on makeup, curl my hair, and wear a nice dress all day.
/ / Sometimes I feel like making a big meal for dinner, but sometimes I just want an egg sandwich.
/ / Sometimes I play music all day long, but sometimes I just like the quiet.
/ / Sometimes I feel content with who I am, but sometimes I just feel so full of issues and have a hard time being ok with myself.
/ / Sometimes I love hanging out with friends or family, but sometimes I just like being alone.
/ / Sometimes I really appreciate the technology of today and all the social media and online interactions, but sometimes I just wish all we had were real books, real face-to-face conversations, and no screens anywhere.
/ / Sometimes I try to find the closest parking spot to the store entrance, but sometimes I purposely park far away.
/ / Sometimes I drive really fast and hurried, but sometimes I just like to take my time.
/ / Sometimes I can’t imagine living anywhere but in the country, but sometimes I think I would love to live in the city.
/ / Sometimes I feel like getting a lot of work done in a day, but sometimes I just feel like curling up with a book and a cup of tea all afternoon.
/ / Sometimes I love to shop thrift stores and garage sales, but sometimes I just want to buy something brand new.
/ / Sometimes I feel like taking a long leisure hour to do hair, clothes, and makeup, but sometimes most times I get ready in fifteen minutes.
/ / Sometimes I love an entire day or two or three to be at my home doing projects and housework, but sometimes I just need to get out into town to shop or buy a coffee.
/ / Sometimes it’s easy to feel that connection with God, but sometimes I have to fight for it.
/ / Sometimes I can think of a million things to blog about, but sometimes I can’t think of a single idea.
I think we all have this kind of list, although everyone’s is different. We all have some days that are easy and inspirational, but then we have days that are difficult and just a little bit dull. And maybe that is ok…maybe it’s ok to struggle and fight for connection and depth. Maybe in that struggle we become a better, stronger, more-deeply-rooted person.
What about you: what are some of your “sometimes”?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
