There are exceptions to everything. We are crafty creatures who know how to make anything (and everything) sound better than it is, because it is the exception, not the rule.
This morning Drew commented, "I love this app! It is brilliant... except for when it gets all glitchy and doesn't work." ... he has made an exception because he loves the app... even though sometimes it doesn't send his (very important) emails. This is a harmless exception, but what about those that are't?
The word exception got me thinking about relationships (hear me out) and our identities and how intertwined those two things are. We make exceptions for those we love CONSTANTLY, often sacrificing bits of ourselves in the process. Some exceptions are like the email app that doesn't work, they are harmless, other things however, can be bit more problematic. Allowing people to abuse you, emotionally, verbally, or (heaven forbid) physically is never ok, no exceptions. There are people (like my friend Longan in the photo) with whom I can be sarcastic, we have a trust and bond; we know that neither of us would say or do anything to damage the other in any way. On the same note, there are people who you can be open and totally honest with (speaking truth even if it is uncomfortable)... but if the words are cutting or aggressive, if they are coming from a place of hate or selfishness, ego or malice, it is time to tap out.
Accepting the truth of a situation... accepting yourself... having grace and love, joy and laughter... these are steps towards healing and wholeness. You are beautiful and wonderful and no one (family member, friend, or significant other) should be allowed to take that away from you. A friend of mine has a necklace that says "acceptance" on it and I kind of want to get one for myself. It is such a beautiful reminder that you are enough as you are, that you are full of potential to be the person you truly want to be.
As Oscar Wilde once said, "Be who you are, everyone else is taken."
(no exceptions needed)
xx
