I Dare You!

Here's the thing, I try to be transparent as I present myself on social media, through my writings, on stage and through song, but the reality is that you will only see what I allow you to see through those platforms.

Yes, I share my struggles, my failings, my joys and my victories, but in truth, there is a small circle of people who really truly know me, who really truly "get me". And of those people, many of them would tell you that it's a lot of work. Apparently I can be a tad "high maintenance" and possibly, so I'm told, like to be the center of attention...I don't know, that just what "certain people" say. Go figure!

When I write or share my struggles, it's normally for the purpose of asking for prayer, sharing what I have learned though it and how I trusted or struggled to trust the Lord through it all. Those are all wonderful words to share. And we all need to hear them and be reminded of them.

But the people closest to me don't get to the end of the story that easily. They get the Mia that is actually going through it, the Mia that fails, can't hold her tongue, the Mia that snaps and gets impatient. They are in the trenches with me waiting to be on the other side of the pain. And sometimes, it just ain't so pretty. Sometimes, it downright sucks to be a part of my life.

But, what I also believe, is those same people in my life that walk through the mud with me, would also tell you that there is no place they would rather be.

It's good to have people like that and it's good to BE people like that. Sometimes, you may feel so alone like you have no one...and maybe, you don't.

Dare to let someone, even if it's just one person, in. Dare to allow someone to see you, to really see you for who you are, the good version of yourself and the not so good version of yourself. Dare to ask God for that person. Dare to get burned and dare to be let down, but also dare to be the kind of person that you want in your life.

People that know me and still choose to follow my "crazy" via social media know a few things, unless I am talking about Jesus, hiking or my family, most everything else is subject for sarcasm and should not be held in too high of regard.... For instance, just this past week I shared the stages of my journey from meat-eater to vegan to vegetarian to partial meat-eating vegetarian to full out meat-eater again. It was an intense 8 hours and each phase of the journey was met with an unrivaled passion.

Some people along the way cheered me on, some people laughed, some people told me I was crazy and ill-informed and some people just sat back quietly watching the show, that is my life, unfold. That last group of people... yep, it's best to be in that group, because in time, it all comes back around again.

So this morning, as I sit, writing and reflecting on the roller coaster that I take my family and friends on, I do it over a non-vegan sugar-filled, butter-laden chocolate chip cookie (yes, it's breakfast time) and a reheated cup of coffee from last night (didn't feel like wasting it.) Feel free to judge, feel free to relate, feel free to sit back and watch the show.

And when it's your turn, let people know what channel your show is on, so they can sit in, watch and be a part of what's going on in your life. I dare you!

Love you in the Lord, Mia

Breakfast- Go ahead, judge me, I'm used to it! :)