What helps unite people? Is there something we all have in common?

We are all peculiar, faulty, messy humans.

Some of us cover it up pretty well.

But the truth is, we are all going through something—all the time. Sometimes, the issues get smaller, but usually, we each carry some weight somewhere in our lives. We have the armor on to shield it from others' judging eyes. When asked, 'How are you?' We often hold back the ugliness and pain, smile, and pretend. "Fine." "Great."

What if we could say instead, "A bit Squirrly today." "Trying to stay Grateful." Or even "Dazed and Confused." Can you imagine the conversations or walls that could break down? Seriously, you don't need to exchange anything else; the point is to practice providing a bona fide answer.

A little unexpected intimacy can break the monotony of disconnection. It may even heal the parts of us who are afraid to be honest with ourselves, much less those in our sphere. It may feel risky, but the reality I am living in has proven that most folks crave the giving and receiving of sincerity. It hits our hearts and sparks the soul. It deepens our existence.

Our brokenness is a way for us to connect with others. Yes, we get to choose the right people and moments to open up, but being real, accepting we are imperfect, and being a work-in-progress is freedom. Normalizing that we will never get it all right and that our quirks make us enjoyable is the NEW way to be in the world.

My friends, wearing your heart on your sleeve is not a bad thing. Being yourself can help the world overcome its obsession with perfection and fakery. It can help you walk through life a lot lighter.

Quirky as all get-out,