There is a poem by Shel Silverstein that I admire greatly. He uses words to paint a picture for the readers. This picture reminds the world that people are not always who they appear to be on the surface.
I forget that far too often. It is much easier to look at social media and think that the lives of those around me are perfect. They have their homework completed, a steaming cup of coffee, and the perfect filter on their pictures. No one else slept past their alarm, wore yesterday’s makeup today, or forgot to eat lunch.
But I’m capable of the same thing. I too can smile for a picture, makeup covering the undereye circles and masking my internal feelings.
I might look happy and smiley, but on the inside, my thoughts go kind of like this:
“What all do I need to do today?
I need waaaaaaay more coffee if I am expected to be social.
I haven’t seen so and so in awhile. Should I text them? I don’t know…. maybe there is a reason they’ve been avoiding me. I wouldn’t want to bother them.
When is my homework due?
I should put that paperwork in my backpack so I can finish it.
Where did I set my coffee? Definitely need to drink more of that.
I really like that guy. Did he text me back? Hmm…. no response. Maybe I should leave him alone.
This sunburn hurts. I hope it won’t peel. Then I’ll be red and white….
I love this fleece blanket and have no desire to move.
How can I stage a cute Instagram picture that makes me look a little more put together?”
We’re all a little messy, and that’s okay.
Originally published on Odyssey.
