I had my 50th birthday last week and wrapped up what ended up being a wonderful trip to pick my son Sam up from Australia where he was studying abroad. I posted some fun pictures along the way and it was fun to see everyone’s comments and birthday wishes.
That is the absolutely best part about Facebook: using it as a tool for encouragement. As a community we are darn good at encouraging one another on that medium! It got me thinking that sometimes we see pictures, videos, etc. and think others have a “storybook” life and that might make us wish we had that, too, or at least that part of it! I think we all know by now that social media is generally a place we share the great things going on in our lives, and not the parts that aren’t so much fun.
This blog post today is a call for us all to remember that there is always a back story.
Most of the greatest successes in the history of our country have come from those whose lives didn’t start out glamorous, and often were filled with hardship and struggle. What I have found in the average person I know, is that their lives are full. Full of joy, sadness, anxiety, excitement, fun and sometimes hardship that is difficult to understand. No one is immune to these truths in life.
Just before I left for Australia, I was experiencing some health issues (anxiety triggered by higher-than-normal blood pressure, acid reflux — Yep… I thought it was a heart attack on its way). I am pretty sure most, if not all of it, was stress related since I felt so much better while away. I also, in all of my “semi-hiking” glory, had a knee injury and walked around with a beautiful tan knee brace which was very, let’s say, “50+.”
If anyone of you have been on a family vacation for any period of time, you know that there are often a few glorious moments of heated exchange. I think you get the point…we all have a back story. We all have our great days and those that, frankly, suck. It’s all part of the ride! Have a great weekend!
Love your blog…so true! AND, it seems we must work through the pain in order to reach the glorious experience. JUST AS CHRIST did on the cross….a good reminder as we approach this Easter Ressurection!