When I mow my lawn, I wear mismatched socks.
Mostly because I can't find the pairs for them and I hate to throw them away.
Plus, with my shoes on, no one can tell that they don't match.
The top two inches are plain white so on the surface they look the same.
When I was out mowing the other day, wearing one pink and white sock and one blue and white sock, I got to thinking.
Just like my socks, there is so much in this world that we can't see. An entirely different picture if you look underneath.
Beneath that cheery hello, that person at the grocery store is hiding their struggle.
Beneath that facade of strength, that single mom is reaching her breaking point.
Beneath that show of bravery, that father with a family to support is fighting an internal battle.
It's human nature to hide our struggle.
To put on a happy face and pretend that everything is fine.
Survival of the fittest.
Never let them see you sweat.
It could always be worse.
Mantras pounded into our heads from childhood that tell us we shouldn't talk about the tough things in our lives.
But I think it's more important now than ever before for us to talk about them.
To let people in.
To show more than just the whites of our socks.
There's too much hiding right now. Literally and figuratively.
Too many people struggling in the same way, yet feeling so very alone.
Talking about it helps. Finding a community helps. Getting out of your own head helps.
And more than anything, just being aware that the person in front of you is hiding their struggle, helps too.
With that awareness, we can be more empathetic and less judgmental.
We might even be able to ask a question that draws out more than a one-word answer.
Or give a supportive smile, or tell a story of our own that makes them feel less alone.
From there, a human connection might even be formed.
We're wired for human connection. More of it is always a good thing.
With it, we can see and feel the beauty in our world. Even amidst the chaos.
Maybe next time I mow my lawn, I'll choose the mismatched socks that don't match on top.
Just to give a glimpse of what's underneath.
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