pretending

Somtimes we pretend that things are different than they actually are in order to protect ourselves from being thrust into a place of insecurity and confusion. This is tempting because the safe and familiar is manageable and navigable—even if it is illusory. Yet, I am convinced that pretending is the more dangerous path.

We create false realities we think we can cope with, yet even such coping is false. We are better off with the truth, no matter how troubling or fearsome it may be. In dealing with the truth, we are dealing with things as they are. We can trust it to be as it appears (usually), and even if we do not know how to 'manage it' or how to respond in light of it, to be dis-illusioned is the first step onto solid ground—a step out of chaos.

What does pretense protect? Does it not thrust us into duplicity and self-deception? Does it not lead us into managing a facade? It is not in any way beneficial, as we think it to be. So let's not pretend any longer. Let's speak truthfully without fear of what the truth will expose, change, initiate, or destroy. The truth will only destroy that which destroys us—beginning with pretense itself.