Letting go of perception, making room for reality.

A fraction of the story.

We live in a time that allows for easy access to other people's life stories.  With the flick of a finger, you can instantly see what your friends, neighbors, and almost any celebrity are doing at nearly all times.  With all this information available, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that what we are seeing is a fraction of the story, and the voices we are hearing are a small portion of our community.

A complex and nuanced reality.

Reality is far more varied and less polished than the narratives we see beautifully displayed on our Instagram feeds or read in holiday card updates.  While most of us know this to be true, it is easy to forget as we get bombarded with images and messaging.  We are lured into creating expectations for ourselves based on the pictures we see and the stories we hear rather than the complex and nuanced reality that lies hidden beneath the published version.

What is missing from the narrative?

Our experience may differ from our expectations and look different from another person’s path.  Accepting this reality is an ongoing process fueled by self-compassion and awareness.  Awareness that what we think we know is probably not all there is to know.  To live more comfortably and more genuinely, allow yourself the grace to step off the expected path.  Leave room to create a path better suited to your unique reality. And perhaps, listen to the messages from the outside world with curiosity about what is missing from the narrative.