Two-way Road

rumi quote take off the mask

We’ve all heard it before, “Be true to yourself.” But it’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Tossing the mask doesn’t happen effortlessly. If we’re to truly be ourselves, we risk being rejected, bullied, and judged. Yet if we remain in that box, what kind of life is that to live? How can we feel completely free?

Somehow, it takes mustering up confidence, and usually, it takes more than a handful.

Ellen-Quote

When I think of people living in a shell for fear of showing their true identities, it breaks my heart. Society has become more accepting, and yet, haters still exist. In a way, they’ve become more pronounced.

It’s a long-shot, but I keep that dream alive of living in a society, a country, and even a world where the motto is “live and let live.” If some aspect of someone’s persona rubs you the wrong way, then walk in the opposite direction. If they’re turning left, then you turn right. LEAVE THEM ALONE AND LET THEM LIVE THEIR LIFE. It’s such a simple solution that remains difficult nowadays. Violence tends to worm its way into many scenarios. Haven’t we seen enough bloodshed? 

If we allow Compassion, Acceptance, and Love, and even more Love, Love, Love to embody who we are as a human race, Peace would play a bigger part. And wouldn’t that be awesome?!!

don't try to please everyone image

So while everyone should be able to show their true colors no matter who they are, others should play their part fairly, too. It’s a two-way road that takes courage and confidence in one lane and acceptance and understanding in the other. We can’t please everyone, but we can please ourselves. Loving ourselves comes first before we can honestly and completely love another. 

Our-Doubts-Are-Traitors-Shakespeare-Quote

I’ll end by saying, “Let’s try to shed our doubts, be who we truly are, and practice more self-love. Then maybe, just maybe, the world will be a better place for All.

Sending virtual love and hugs, and wishing you a fabulous weekend. I’ll be off the grid for a while again, but will catch up in a week or so. ❤❤❤

 

48 thoughts on “Two-way Road

  1. Sometimes I wonder how did man learn to wear those masks, different faces for different occasions and who could have been the first one? Did it creep in slowly into his persona? If Rumi has commented upon ‘mask,’ it must be very old! True colors are beautiful and should be accepted. Thanks for highlighting Lauren. Love and hugs. Enjoy your “off the grid” time. 🙂

    1. You bring up a good point, Balroop. When did it all begin? And if Rumi is a clue then masks have been around for hundreds of years. True colors are beautiful if we only let them shine. Thanks so much for your lovely comment, my friend, and I hope you’ve had a good week, too. Ours was relaxing among the redwoods, which I’ll soon do a post on once I’m organized. 🙂 Love and hugs back, and Happy Friday!

    1. Thanks so much, Jill! Love begins with loving ourselves. After that is mastered then we can truly love and care for others. It’s those masks that hinder some of us from doing this though. We had a wonderful, relaxing time, and I hope your week has been the same. 🙂 Hugs ❤

  2. If a person believes in a higher power than masks are useless in that context. However we live on this planet. It’s rare to find someone you can share your innermost soul with, there will always be that inner reserve with the closest of friends. I agree that we should accept people the way they are and not force them to conform to our supposed norms. However what I see happening is a sea change so that those who were once bullied and treated with distain now are the aggressors trying to force their opinions and lifestyle on everyone else. Hopefully everyone will calm down and not be aggressive in promoting their chosen lifestyle and find a way to love and respect each other.

    1. Thanks for your insightful feedback, Ian. It all makes sense. Obviously, who can justifiably judge others who have been bullied, living in a world where they are not accepted? Don’t you believe that a sense of balance is needed for all to come together peacefully? This may only be possible in a perfect world though, and I’m not so sure of that ever happening. I hope you’ve had a calm week. We’ve been living with the redwoods, and it’s been so relaxing. Have a good weekend ahead!

    1. Thanks, Betty! I’m glad you agreed with what I said here, and I’m slowly returning and will do a blog post soon of our relaxing redwood experience, but I have to get organized first. 🙂 Hope you’ve had a good week, too! Love and hugs, my friend! xoxo

  3. It is not easy to walk away when a person persists in stepping in your way and deliberately blocks your path. We can all try to avoid conflict but beyond a certain stage, I will floor the guy.

    Peace, yes but not at all costs – especially not when our loved ones are threatened.

    Or did I miss the gist of your post?

    Peace and all good wishes,
    Eric

    1. Hi Eric, you made me laugh at “flooring the guy.” Obviously, if my family were threatened, I would do the same. So, you actually added to the ‘peace’ thread of this post, which is great and your points are definitely valid. My main message though is being true to ourselves and accepting others. Using ‘turning the other cheek’ instead of violence. Well, in a perfect world, right? But what harm is there in hoping and in praying?! I always love reading your feedback, so keep it coming please. 🙂 Big hugs, my friend, and Happy Friday, too!

  4. Always enjoy your writings Lauren, and this one is no exception, sad that anonymity is part of the world today, yet at the same time hiding Love that begs to blossom.
    Kind regards my Friend.

    1. Thanks, Ian, that’s really nice to hear and warms my heart. It is sad that anonymity is part of our world, but let’s hope that Love blossoms very soon so all masks fall and we live in harmony. Oh, what a dream, right? 🙂 Hugs, my friend!

  5. Very true words. People often fear those who are different from them. The tribe mentality. But most of our progress and advancement is a result of those who think and act differently from the pack.

  6. Beautiful message Lauren. I think many haters haven’t learned to love themselves. It begins with us first and to spread the message. Enjoy your break! ❤

    1. Thanks, Debby, and I think you’re right. Let’s hope this positive message continues to spread throughout humanity. The break was great among the redwoods. I did a photo post yesterday, if you haven’t already seen it. 🙂 Hope you’ve had a great Monday! 💕

  7. Such a beautiful, beautiful post, Lauren! I second every of your sentiment and think that you’ve put into words what so many think yet don’t feel able to express it as perfectly as you did. Like John Lennon said: Love is all we need!
    Acceptance, open-mindedness and love – those are the basic ingredients for a better world I feel. I’m going to print out this post and put it in my journal as it inspires me so much! Thank you, dear friend! Much love! ❤❤❤

    1. Wow, Sarah, thank you for not only your amazing comment, but for printing this out. I’m humbled that you felt so strongly about it to do that. Yes, Acceptance, open-mindedness, and love. And no one has sung it better than John Lennon. 🙂 Much love in return and Big hugs, too! 💗💗🎵🎵

  8. Lauren, my thoughts exactly. Your message resonates well with me. If only people could see the hurt they cause others. I think for some, there is so much ill feeling directed at them, they find it impossible to love themselves, they believe what others say to/about them. Social media has made things worse. It’s much easier to when a person doesn’t have to say negative things to another’s face. Love and hugs, my dear friend. 😘

    1. Thanks, Michelle, and your thoughts are spot on, as well. As much as social media is fun and also a tool at times, I think it’s going to be the demise of humanity. That’s harsh, I know, but in my opinion, there are too many negatives outweighing the benefits. One is the security behind the screen like you mentioned for harmful communication. Less interaction and more heads looking down is another problem. Anyway, on a lighter note, Happy Friday, and love and hugs to you, too. xoxoxo

  9. Jane Sturgeon

    What a lovely post Lauren. ❤ I feel it as a gracious energy. I can rear up when it's needed, but most of the time it isn't. Everyone has the right to make their own choices and actions. If I feel unbalanced around them, I wish them well and tend to vote with my feet. Very little needs to become a battle. Being true to ourselves is a daily round isn't it? It's not something that is finite and sorted. It's lovely to connect with a beautiful spirit like you. ❤ Xx

    1. I agree with all you said, Jane, so well thought out. Being true to ourselves is easier said than done, but it’s something we should tackle on a daily basis. And turning the other cheek if we don’t like others is also something many should try. Thank you for your kind words, and I echo them back to you. ❤❤❤

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