"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts..." ~ William Shakespeare's "As You Like It."

Last night I had a conversation with one of my dear friends Jessica. We were discussing life, this Shakespeare quote, and the concept that although life is filled with beauty, how it is also filled with much hurt, sadness, and difficult times. Things happen that are out of our control and we also do things that we did not mean to do or regret doing later on. People, whether they realize it or not, hurt us and break us sometimes, yet we go around acting as if everything is ok and that we are full of joy. Who are we kidding?

Do you ever find that when you feel broken you often pretend you are happy and excited? Do you ever feel that you are faking and tricking people that you are supposed to be honest with? I have found that I am guilty of this all the time. But why would I do something so silly?

Well, I guess it is because I do not want people to worry about me. Or maybe it is my pride that makes me want to appear as if I need no one's help. Or maybe it is because I do not feel like I have anyone to talk to about my problems and concerns because they are all too consumed with their own lives. Or maybe I do not even know where the root of my unhappiness starts...

I love observing and watching people. Some of my friends have called me Dr. Phil and my nickname among many is Mom. As I watch people and help them through their problems, I realize that many of them really do not have problems. I mean, lots of homework or missing your favorite tv show or not being able to shop at the mall is not that big of a problem. Right?

I think the root of the issue is that people in this country are lead to believe that if you are not having problems or depressed or sad about something, then you are not normal. I mean, think about it. How many people do you ask "how are you?" to and they respond back with an enthusiastic "FANTASTIC!"? Not too many...in fact, probably none. And if they do, you think, what a weirdo...is he on something?

So I guess what I am trying to say in all of my blah blah here is that everyone is an actor...Yes, everyone. People either pretend to be happy when they are hurting, or broken just to "fit in" with everyone else who likes to complain and look at the glass half empty. But if we looked at our lives and realized the true gifts and miracles we have been given like our families, health, homes, nature, church, etc., we would realize that we wouldn't have to act anymore if we just realized how amazing each day is and that we are truly blessed. No, life is never going to be perfect, and yes, we will have some pretty miserable days...but we will also have some memorable, beautiful, blessed, amazing days...and those are worth every hour of tears. Don't you agree? Or would you prefer to be an actor for the rest of your life...pretending to be someone you really are not?? The choice is yours...