We all have cracks in our veneer. What do I mean? I am not talking about wrinkles, or dry skin or cuts or any other physical issue that we may have. I am talking about the cracks that are unseen – the hurt, the anger, the despair, the fear, the doubt. The things that are unseen but nonetheless shake us to our very core and get in the way of truly being able to move ahead and be happy, fulfilled, loving, and even kind to others.
Photography by Kate Holliday, Photographer
Most often these “cracks” are caused by memories that we carry around for years or decades. It can be memories of loss, memories of slights or perceived slights, memories of hurt or mistreatment, memories of pain both physical and mental.
Most of us take the duct tape approach to those cracks. That is, just slap a little duct tape on it and no one will see it. The cracks will not necessarily get wider, but they will not heal either. Our duct tape just covers it up, but it is still there lurking underneath until one day the tape cracks or comes loose and then things get worse and we just slap on more.
What we need to do is to rip off the tape and let the light of day inside in order to heal. If we want to become our best selves we need to look within to see what we can do without. Letting go is much harder than holding on because that requires change and forgiveness and neither is easy. Quite the contrary. It can be the most difficult thing you do. Through forgiveness of ourselves and others we are ripping off the tape and letting healing light come inside so that we can let our best selves come out. The sense of relief is palpable and, trust me, you will find yourself and a renewed sense of joy.