Breathe

Feeling blessed beyond what I could have ever imagined. For a gal that has spent her life keeping things inside, this last year especially,  has been a revelation.

I've never been perfect or ever expected people to view me that way but I guess I did a good job of putting up that front.  I was encouraged by someone that knew the real me.... in every facet.  The joy, the worry, the fear, the strength and the doubt.  I started being more "me" than I ever had been.  I opened up to the ones I trusted and started forming even stronger relationships with everyone.  The friends I'd had for 20 years as well as the new friends I started gaining once I stopped worrying so much.

I can't begin to express how deeply I feel every bit of life these days.  For me as well as my friends, acquaintances and strangers.  My empathy is at an all time high and while I'm still the same old me, my patience and acceptance has grown.  I've said before that I started on this path when I became a mom but It continues to grow and encompass me.

No matter what we say, we all DO care what others think.  What we do with that knowledge is what sets us apart.

Maybe it's the Holiday Season that allows people to express themselves but for me, it doesn't matter.  The love I have received in the last 24 hours is a reminder of all of the other bits I have received throughout my life.  Every single experience has brought me to this point.  To who I am today.
From the girl that held my hand and said Merry Christmas - with her words and her eyes - when I shared some unused coupons last week to the friends that take time to call, text or show me that I matter to them-good and bad; I don't have the proper words to say thank you or to explain the feeling in my heart that you all bring.

We all have shit.  It breaks us, it humbles us but it brings us together.  It makes us approachable and human.  Don't broadcast it on social media but don't shy away from it.  Own it and share it as you see fit.  Allow others to see you aren't that glossy, magazine-perfect person, don't judge others, and I guarantee there will be a shift.  You will change and it will be good.