Guilty.

I’m guilty. I don’t always share my problems, because I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I don’t want them to think I’ve lost it or that I’m making excuses.

Guilty! I keep things to myself, because “they’ll blow over” or “I’ll just deal with it, it’s fine.”

Guilteeeee! I put on make-up and look all shiny, so it looks like I’ve got my life together. My tennis shoes go with my outfit. Shiny.

So guilty! I don’t want to say anything about my mess, because it’s “embarrassing” and “people will gossip about me.” I am ashamed. I will be labeled.

Guilty as charged! I don’t discuss my crap, because there are people with bigger problems than mine, I will sound whiny, and nobody likes a Sour Sally.

Y’all. Where do we get this stuff from? Let’s stop. Keep it real. If someone asks you how you’re doing, don’t say “fine.” You’re not fine. Say something like, “Well, I’m having a rough go right now, but I’m taking it one step at a time.” I mean, that’s what you’re doing. Be honest. Genuine is better than fake.

Then watch. Helpers will emerge. People will pray for you. Friends will relate. Others will value your authenticity, see you as a real person, and realize they are not alone.

Now…let’s get this straight. You don’t have to tell everything you know. Poop your pants? Have a itchy rash? Flip out in a psychotic episode? Heavy period? Come on. Those are all real for sure (and hey, we’ve all pooped, itched, flipped out, and nearly needed a transfusion, just so you know), but you don’t have to share all the personal, gory details. Just share. Don’t keep it in.

Find the right folks. Tap into your support system. (You have one, you’ve probably just been ignoring it.) Seek out someone you know who’s been through similar things. Man up, find your inner strength, and step out of your comfort zone…and just get it out.

I have a precious friend, Caiden, who posted this brilliance today. Truly, energy cannot be destroyed. It needs to be released. If you hold it in, it’s IN YOUR BODY and will wreak nine kinds of havoc on your joints, muscles, and immune system. Let. It. Out.

And hey…driving out in the country to someplace remote, getting out of the car, and screaming and raising hell works, too, and is a great start.

I’m guilty. We are all guilty. We’ve done our time. Now let’s release, and watch it serve us better than keeping it all in.