You already have it within. All you need to do is to embrace it!
Lies... their sweetness is alluring. Their power is undeniable because lies can offer what the truth may never suggest - a promise of an easy outcome, conflict resolution, or an illusion of any version of yourself that you want your friends and family to see.
That's why we continue to weave a web of illusions around ourselves - perfecting our social media presence and wearing masks to impress others. Yes, we are fond of lying. It is ingrained in our nature because it allows us to feel secure in our comfort zone. We can go through life like this - avoiding challenges and keeping our true selves hidden, even from those closest to us.
We lie not to make others uncomfortable, but to create a favorable impression. We even lie to ourselves to ease our deepest fears. We lie, and lie again, forgetting one crucial thing - lies can never bring about your desired reality.
Here's the thing about reality - it is, well, you know, too real. It can be harsh and inconvenient, often cruel and unfair. It exposes problems we may not know how to solve, leaving us feeling helpless, which is why we often despise it.
So, why bother facing reality when we can simply live in blissful ignorance for the rest of our lives? Let's don rose-colored glasses and continue constructing our perfect sandcastles. And if someone destroys them, we can easily rebuild and inhabit them once more. This time, we'll be prepared and reinforce them with stronger defenses. We may even garner support from a multitude of individuals on social media. Though we may barely know them, they share our illusions! Together, we can persist in battling against the bothersome realists until our final breath.
And even if we are defeated in this battle, we can turn to another form of escape, thanks to the entertainment industry. We can immerse ourselves in video games where we have the freedom to do as we please. Alternatively, we can seek solace in a local pub, drowning our worries as a friendly bartender listens attentively to our complaints, refilling our glass with soothing spirits.
Escape... I recall the pain of it. I had to maintain a facade, shutting others out. I remember the moment when the sweetness of my evening drink was replaced by a morning headache. I tried to ignore it, resorting to stronger medications and avoiding distressing news about climate change. Why should I feel guilty about events I had no hand in causing?
Or perhaps it's best not to dwell on it. Not when I felt so vulnerable, unwell, and drained from the ceaseless struggle with life.
I remember the day when I surrendered to the fight. It was the end of July, and the Vancouver sky was shrouded in smoke from the wildfires. Gazing at the ominous red sun in the afternoon, I uttered, "Fine. The weather seems apocalyptic, and if my time has come, I am prepared to accept my fate."
It was a new experience for me - to relinquish control in such a manner. Yet, deep within my soul, something finally eased. I no longer had to expend all my energy on denying the impending doom or battling against it. Embracing reality as it was brought a sense of relief. The sight was grim and terrifying, threatening to overwhelm me. However, fear no longer gripped me.
On the contrary, I had never felt more alive! For a week, I strolled beneath that sun, casting glances at the unforgiving sky, declaring, "I am not afraid. Not anymore." I was prepared, more than prepared, to receive a response from the harsh angel or whoever was overseeing the Vancouver sky during that week.
I was convinced it would have a deep, husky voice, and its response would echo, "Fine. Perish, human." I anticipated that something would transpire, a consequence of my defiance as a wayward daughter of Earth. Yet, I remained indifferent. I was simply too weary of living in fear. Whether the overseer of the smoky skies punished me for my insubordination or orchestrated a vehicular mishap, I was unfazed.
However, nothing of the sort occurred. A week later, the skies cleared, dispelling all my somber thoughts. Nevertheless, I was forever changed. At last, my soul was liberated - liberated from past anxieties and liberated from the delusion that someone or something, like a malevolent higher power, could dictate my existence. Stripped of my former illusions, I could finally recognize myself as a human being, one who dares to challenge my reality and strives to effect positive change.
Following the sky's clearing, our local communities began seeking volunteers to aid in the restoration of forests and wildlife. Instead of my usual refrain of "What difference can we truly make?" I eagerly enlisted.
Oh, it was immensely gratifying to feel the dirt beneath my hands. The trees we planted that weekend quivered with delight as their small leaves rustled, reminiscent of my childhood friends who would laugh so carefreely during our playtime. The individuals I encountered that day... They all wore genuine smiles, not the artificial ones often seen plastered on faces. Their eyes gleamed with the same light as mine - a light of liberation and resolve. I was certain they gazed into my eyes as well, their hearts brimming with joy upon witnessing my radiant, liberated spirit.
Following that day, I began taking small steps towards endeavors I once deemed "impossible." I connected with individuals who shared my passions, learning from them and reshaping my perspective, engaging in activities that truly brought me joy - contributing to the betterment of our world. I delved into teaching and writing books, utilizing these platforms as a means to inspire others.
Soon, I came to the realization that I no longer needed to feign happiness, health, or contentment with life. I authentically embodied these qualities. I ceased seeking refuge from life's challenges through gaming and drinking. It dawned on me that the lies and illusions I once clung to were nothing more than a coffin for my soul. I adamantly rejected the notion of being entombed within it.
Indeed, lies possess a formidable power, persuading us that we are shielding ourselves from the harsh realities of life. However, this very power impedes us from uncovering our true selves and contributing to the transformation of our reality. By shunning the exploration of our passions, we forfeit the splendid opportunities that life presents - forging new connections, reveling in activities we adore, and inspiring others.
Undoubtedly, my journey towards honesty was arduous.
When I chose to speak the truth, even when it was uncomfortable or challenging, the benefits of honesty far surpassed the risks of potential misunderstanding.
You see, honesty fosters trust among those around us and cultivates deeper, more meaningful connections with others. It enables us to remain authentic to ourselves and to live in harmony with our values and beliefs.
Moreover, honesty possesses the ability to heal. By openly sharing our thoughts, feelings, and experiences, we can process and release emotions that may have burdened us.
Embracing honesty empowers us to confront difficult truths and navigate challenges in a constructive manner. Through honesty, both with ourselves and with others, we can nurture emotional well-being and resilience.
Let us wholeheartedly embrace the power of honesty in our lives! Let us opt for truth, even in challenging circumstances. May we live with integrity and revel in the liberation that accompanies a life lived with honesty.
Remember - honesty is not merely a virtue; it is a superpower that liberates us from the confines of dishonesty and deceit. Let us harness this formidable power and lead lives filled with courage, conviction, and authenticity.
Sincerely yours,
          Lubov Leonova
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P.S. If you like this post, you will definitely love my books. They are about women who discover their power within to make a positive change.
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