The Power in Owning It

Does anyone else feel overwhelmed with the over-abundance of superficiality in our world? It's not just social media (I'll be honest, I'm getting annoyed with the redundancy of blaming social media for all our problems, but I think it does play a role in this). It seems like everyone, myself included, is hiding behind insecurities and distractions. We are made for connection beyond views and likes.

Every time I'm vulnerable and share or name the things I'm anxious about, especially with new people, I find I'm so not alone; I'm the farthest from it.

This past year I went to a bachelorette party weekend where I knew some of the other attendees and some were strangers to me. It had been so long since I had been with a new group of people, and in the weeks leading up to it, I was so nervous.

These are similar to feelings I had before my own bachelorette party, where, you know, all my favorite people would be?? I can't be the only one who worries about how different dynamics will pan out.

But here's the thing, once I shared my feelings with other women, I was met with a groundbreaking realization. I wasn't alone. In fact, I would've been in the minority if I HADN'T felt nervous. And by sharing my genuine feelings, my connection with these new friends was suddenly deepened.

It leads me to think that one way through the surface-level existence of life in the United States in 2022 is to "own it," to share honestly where we are personally with those around us. And in order for that to be possible, we need to first be able to recognize those thoughts and emotions within ourselves. Self awareness is hard in a distracted world. I'm often racing through the next audiobook or podcast, binging whatever show is all the rage, or browsing my phone. But when I do that too much, I miss out on checking in with myself. In order to find the connection and purpose we seek, we can't shy away from the quiet or the questions that come from it. When we wrestle with those questions (or just soak into the peace of a digitally disconnected moment), we get the opportunity to connect with ourselves, thus allowing us to further connect with those around us. Maybe I'm just rambling at this point, so let me bring it back: If we soak into the quiet and truly get to know ourselves and then share those honest versions of ourselves with those around us, we will be less alone and more connected. All this to say, just own it. Own your short-comings, your worries and fears, your wins and your losses.

-J