Being real in this way is not an easy thing to do. We live in a culture that often shows us images of physical and material perfection. As a result, we all want to look younger, thinner, wealthier, and more successful. We are rewarded externally when we succeed at this masquerade, but people who are real remind us that, internally, we suffer. Whenever we feel that we need to be bigger, better, or more exciting, we send a message to ourselves that we are not enough. Meanwhile, people who are not trying to be something more than they are walk into a room and bring a feeling of ease, humor, and warmth with them. They acknowledge their wrinkles and laugh at their personal eccentricities without putting themselves down.
People like this inspire us to let go of our own defenses and relax
for a moment in the truth of who we really are. In their presence, we
feel safe enough to take off our personas and experience the freedom of
not hiding behind a barrier. Those of us who were lucky enough to have a
parent who was able to keep it real may find it easier to be that way
ourselves. The rest of us may have to work a little harder to let go of
our pretenses and share the beauty and humor of our real selves. Our
reward for taking such a risk — we will attract and inspire others,
giving them the permission to be real too. (Daily OM)
