Transparent: allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. easy to perceive or detect. having thoughts, feelings, or motives that are easily perceived.
I’ve grown soooo much in this area, and I hope that what I share will be able to help you grow.
Being transparent has transformed my life in so many ways. It has helped me accept who I am, who God made me, and who I can become. This is a daily choice I choose to make and implement in my life. It’s not always easy, but I strive to be real with myself in all things. Shakespeare said it best, “To thine own self be true.”
Let’s jump head first into this thang!
To give you a quick background on myself, I was raised in a Pentecostal church: We were visually set apart; no pants, no make-up, no jewelry, no short sleeves, etc. (FYI: I’m free and no longer bound by man made rules! Hallelujah!) I have a personal relationship with Jesus and believe that He died and rose again, but that’s for another time. Any who, although I have the best parents, they were very strict. Partial side effect of the Pentecostal upbringing. Oh so many rules were laid upon us. With that being said, since I was young and didn’t understand, I was sneaky. I would lie to my parents all the time. I didn’t want to disappoint them. I’ll never forget when I left my first job for a 15 minute break to get my tongue pierced. Surprisingly, while I was away for less than 20 minutes, my parents came to my job to drop off my car, couldn’t find me, and freaked out! My mother made me leave my job, take out the piercing I just spent money on and throw it away. I had my tongue pierced for less than 20 minutes. LOL! I have so many stories to share with you all along the way!
Nevertheless, as I’ve grown up, I have matured: I’m no longer a sneaky person or a liar. I’ve realized that there are a lot of people who lie, sneak around, and cannot be honest. There are some that cannot come to terms with who they are, where they are, and where they are going in life because they have hidden who they really are and sneaked around so nobody REALLY knows the REAL them.
Ladies and Gentleman. It’s 2017.
Although I’ve failed miserably in this area for many years and realize that everyone will not be like me, think like me, or act like me, I’ve realized that being transparent can change your whole life around. It will allow you to not be ashamed of who God made you to be, what traits HE blessed you with, or what flaws you find unworthy.
Please don’t diagnose yourself as private person when your classification is just sneaky. You’re simply hiding behind the “I don’t want anyone to know the real me” bush. Don’t get me wrong, nothing is wrong with being a private person. No, you don’t have to share or tell everything, but I truly believe that we were created to be relational people. I personally prefer real, authentic, transparent people to invest in my life (Spiritually, Mentally, Physically). It’s something about talking to someone who doesn’t sugarcoat anything and only wants the ultimate best for your life. They see something in you that you don’t even see in yourself. Be honest, have you ever met someone who you’ve poured your heart out to and then you ask them what’s going on in their world and you get nothing? Mundanely, they reply everything is good… everything is great… and offer nothing more. And you know they’re struggling, need to talk or just would like a listening ear, but you get absolutely nothing.
Many people cannot be transparent because they are not prepared to admit their deceitful cunning ways. They do not want to share their struggle.
But my question to you is:
If we hid our story, our flaws, our mistakes, and choose not to talk about it, how are we going to help others get over the humps, lumps and bumps of their own? I’ve been able to talk to many people (because I don’t meet strangers) and I often hear, “I’m a private person…” Well, are you honestly a private person or just sneaky- not wanting anyone to find out your true being?
Now that I’ve accepted myself and my personality, I’ve come to realize that I am transparent. I love the fact that while I realize that might not be everyone else’s stance in life, I just want people to know that it’s okay to be real. I want people to be honest with where they are in life. I want people to be who they are.
My best friend always say, “There are so many people that are free, but they are still bound.” Meaning, they have been free from bondage. Free from whatever thorn in the flesh they have overcome, but are still living like they still have an issue.
My husband and I have truth moments at any given time. When I feel a need to bring something up that is bothering me, I will blurt out, “Truth moment.” He will either allow me that very moment to spill my heart out or redirect me to a better time. We have that open space. Create that space with your friends, significant others and family. It will help you, trust me, you won’t feel heavy! You won’t have the urge to sneak and connive!
Proverbs 3:32: But he is a friend to those who are honest
Being transparent with others helps others be transparent with us. I’m usually an open book with everyone, however certain things only a select group of folk know about me. I do that because I’m ok with how I rock but it may be offensive to others. Once I find that there is a no judgment zone you can’t shut me up lol.
Blessings to you for sharing.
Btw your website is dope! Totally adorbs ?
Hi Ivy!
Absolutely! Certain things are not for everyone; I totally agree. I also believe that some people are not meant to be in your intimate circle. I also have a select few that I’m able to be vulnerable with, I can share my highs and lows, my weaknesses, my strengths, fears, secrets. We are all flawed, I’m just glad that God loves us despite the flaws! No flex zone around her for me! I can’t wait for you to share your story! I love your authenticity, flavor and your honesty!
Aw! Thank you so much for stopping by! Don’t be a stranger!