Be Authentic - the real you. Not the 20 year reunion I’m trying to impress and make you all think I have it all together you….but the you your family sees.
The last thing I want is to come across like I have it all together. The person I want to develop a close friendship with won’t have that personality either. I just am not attracted to that. Sure, we’re surrounded by lovely ideals, but I don’t want a Pinterest friendship. Pretty, difficult to complete, lofty ideals and a ton of editing before someone can see who I am.
If you desire real relationships you need to bring the real you.
When we get together you may see a meltdown from my toddler and a moan from me. I’m not saying I don’t struggle when these moments happen around other people, but I’m working on not allowing myself to apologize and become embarassed.
If I’m extending grace to others, I have to know to how accept that same grace from those around me.
What’s 1 thing that you struggle with letting others see?
(Come on, let’s free ourselves from idealistic views & share today - leave a comment if you dare!)
I'm Virginia & so glad you're here! You'll find me writing about my not-so-perfect journey with my faith, family, life and home. Stick around, comment and join the conversations.
I love meeting new friends!
I really like this series. This is definitely an issue most women deal with. I, like you, am trying to bring “the real” to the table. However in the back of my mind I am always fearful people won’t like the real me. And maybe we all fear that a little. That’s why we work for a clean home and perfectly behaved children and show embarrassment when neither of those things are evident. I am learning to let go of the embarrassment of two year old tantrums. I am learning to give and receive grace in the areas! Great post Virginia!
It is not easy at all! I will say I’m ok with it at times and then apologize through the playdate. I’m working so hard on not doing this =)
I struggle letting others see me as insecure. I like to feel confident, self-assured, and independent but it’s hard for me to show others I depend on them or to ask for help. I’m working on it!
Oh, that’s a good one. I think a lot of us have a hard time asking for help at times. I pray that you’re able to do this!
Oh my life - it’s perfect.
Just kidding - my life needs Jesus. Jesus keeps reminding me that things hidden aren’t good. Exposure is important because it means people can come alongside us in them, and be honest about their “stuff” as well.
I’m definitely working on not apologizing for mess. When I look at Jesus, I never see him calling people out for being physically messy, just spiritually messy. He forgave sins, healed wounds, multiplied food, and love love loved so much that He died and rose for the same people who yelled “crucify”.
So I like the messiness. If we ever meet, you’ll see dust on my floors and quite possibly a sticky counter.
I love your post. The lines, “I don’t want a Pinterest friendship. Pretty, difficult to complete, lofty ideals and a ton of editing before someone can see who I am” were my favourite. I want an unedited, kinda messy, with a smear of dirt on the side of the photo kind of friendship.
Thanks for sharing.
So right! I love “When I look at Jesus, I never see him calling people out for being physically messy, just spiritually messy. He forgave sins, healed wounds, multiplied food, and love love loved so much that He died and rose for the same people who yelled “crucify”.”
Jesus is great.
I don’t want others to see how often I advise my husband on how to handle our baby (my way.) I need to relax and let him to the daddy thing his way and stay out of the way sometimes. Thanks for sharing this post.
Ooh, my husband and I talk about this all of the time! There are times when I find myself jumping in, because it’s “not fast enough”.
I’m working on my control issues!
well, i wish you and i could just hang together and talk about all of it. except my house is always a mess, so i probably wouldn’t invite you over too often. i’m so bad at that. there are some gals i’d love to have over, but i just never seem to get it “clean enough” to really feel relaxed!!!
You better let me in if I lived in your area!
I’d let you see my stacks of laundry first so you’d feel more comfortable 
I LOVE this V! I always wonder why I stress SO much about how my house looks when I know that when I step into someone else’s home I don’t care what it looks like. I need to chill and just let life be that way it is- not always (actually never!) perfect. What freedom in proclaiming that we don’t have to live a “pinterest” life! I mean really- who lives like that? I love friends who love you for just who you are and could care less about the little stuff.
Can’t wait for this series.