Podcast Episode 5 - What If I Told You...

What if I told you... the truth? The messy, vulnerable, unfiltered truth about the struggles hidden beneath the surface of what appears to be my carefully curated life?

​What if I confessed that keeping my home sparkling clean doesn't ignite an inner spark of joy? That I sometimes fall short of the idealized Proverbs 31 woman, and the critic within whispers harsh judgements? My husband might even chirp in, offering a (loving, of course) first-hand account.

What if I shattered the illusion of picture-perfect homeschooling? What if I admitted some days are riddled with tears and frustration (mostly mine), far removed from the idyllic scenes of wonderment and awe?

What if I revealed a secret shame: the belief, held close for years, that I was incapable of even basic tasks like baking, cooking, sewing, or crocheting? Yet, here I stand, a testament to personal growth, having defied those limitations, stitch by stitch, recipe by recipe.

What if I told you that socializing, though seemingly effortless on the surface, leaves me drained? The "fun me" you see in public often returns home mentally exhausted, needing days to recharge, my social battery depleted.

What if I whispered that darkness sometimes creeps in, casting long shadows of doubt and despair? The relentless chatter in my head, the overwhelming need to reach out for a prayerful hand from a dear friend – these are my realities too.

What if I confessed that, on occasion, when I meet my own gaze in the mirror, I see not a confident individual but an insignificant nobody, questioning their very worth?

What if I told you, with a tinge of sheepishness, that most days feel like a constant improvisation? We might laugh and call it "pretend adulting," as my friend Holli so aptly puts it.

What if I shared the constant yearning to discover my purpose in life? The comparison game, the envy of others seemingly achieving their dreams – these are battles I fight too, the vision of my path perpetually out of reach.

What if I told you all of these things? Would you understand? Would you see yourself reflected in these words? Would the weight of isolation lift, replaced by the comfort of shared experience?

I hope you say yes. I hope you know you are not alone. We are all on this journey, navigating the complexities of life, each with our unique struggles and vulnerabilities. This is the truth we often hide, the messy middle that connects us.

So, take my hand and let's tear down the facades and embrace our imperfections. Let's share our stories, offer compassion and grace, and find strength in the collective "what ifs". Because in vulnerability lies connection, and in shared struggles, we discover the beautiful tapestry of humanity – a tapestry woven not with perfection, but with the threads of our authentic selves. And friends, that tapestry, despite its imperfections is beautiful.

Listen To The Episode 5 Podcast