A Candid Look

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, meaning a picture should be able to express what words cannot.  I believe this to be true when you’re taking a “still” shot of an object to show someone.  Then a picture will be able to describe the object better than your verbal description can. 

 

However, the same doesn’t hold true when it comes to us?  The way we live our lives should be a mirror image of the truth of who we are?  When you look in the mirror, what do you see?  Do you see yourself as you really are, or do you only see what you allow others to see?

Did you ever notice that no matter what is happening just beforehand, once someone says they are going to take a picture, we automatically smile?  Why is that?  Isn’t a picture supposed to capture the moment?  That’s why I like candid shots, because they really capture what is going on in the moment.  When we are unaware that someone is watching, that’s when we are most vulnerable and true.  It’s as if once we realize we are being watched, we began to smile and pose.  I believe it’s what the kids call “fronting”. 

When we are being true to ourselves and honest with those around us, then our lives should mirror the image that we portray to the world.  And it is possible to have the life that we portray to the world, but it’s going to take some work.  We just have to peel back the layers of masks that we have worn to fool the world.

To be in the moment doesn’t have to be a scary thing.  It can, instead, be an opportunity to grow.  Take a candid look at where you are, not only what you allow others to see, but where you truly are, and boldly determine to change what you don’t like.  For example:

• You don’t have to pretend you have money that you don’t, but can take an honest look at your situation and assess what you can do to change your financial status.
• You don’t have to pretend that you have the perfect relationship.  No one does.  There are always going to be rough times.  However, if there is some issue that needs to be addressed that you simply cannot compromise on, it should be addressed.  If it cannot be fixed, and you cannot live with it, then you have some tough decisions to make.
• If you are not where you want to be in your life, whether it be spiritually, physically, intellectually, in relationships, you have the capacity to change your position.  And you deserve to really have your heart’s desire, not just live through the pretty picture you’ve painted for everyone else to see.