On Being Real…

People say to me all the time after reading my blog or sometimes after talking to me in person, “Thank you for being so real and honest.” I honestly don’t get that. I can’t be the only one sharing my story, my life, and my heart. Why are so many people out there afraid to show their real selves? Are they afraid of not being liked? Afraid of being judged?

I’m not sure what it is, but apparently it comes easier to me than to others. Being real is all about being yourself. It’s about sharing your life, your thoughts, and your heart so that others are encouraged and helped. Being real doesn’t mean you have to share all your secrets or that you have to share every aspect of your life, but when you let go and just be real, people see a person who they can trust and who they can look up to.

Is there such a thing as being too real? That’s a pretty big question. I have been judged for being too real and honest on my blog and on Facebook in the past. People have judged me for the thoughts I’ve written, whether it was because I was “too real” or because I did not explain my thoughts well enough I’m not sure. I think if you are going to be real, you have to ask yourself what is the purpose of sharing what you are sharing? Is it to hurt someone? Is it to complain? If you are doing it to share your life, thoughts, or heart, if it is not going to hurt someone else, and if it is explained well enough I think it is ok.

How to be real:
1. Let go and just write (if you are a blogger. You can always edit out parts you want to leave out later.
2. Don’t be afraid of what people are going to think, just think about the people you could help by sharing what you are going through.
3. Remember you are not alone.

Things You can Share:
1. Share something that’s on your heart and explain why.
2. Share something God is working on in your heart.
3. Share a life lesson you learned and how it can help others.

My encouragement to you today is to be real. Be real on your blog,  be real in person. Don’t hide behind anything, just be yourself. You may find some really great surprises and benefits when you do!

•  “Be authentic – be your true self. Don’t be what others perceive to be (or what you think they perceive you as).” – Tammy from Bravo Tango Tees
• “Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” -The Velveteen Rabbit submitted by Maggie.

What do you think “being real” means? Follow the conversation on Facebook or comment below!