The Magic Word That Creates Deeper Relationships

A few weeks ago, I did something that required all my courage.

I gave my friend a special compliment - and the response blew me away.

She's an incredible woman. She knows it. I know it. However, there's something I wanted to tell her for a while.

I struggled because it's something she's better at than I am - she's better at trusting life to work out for her.

Admitting that I didn't have this trust made me feel weak because for me, it implied I didn't trust myself that much.

This didn't sit well because part of me still thinks I have to perform, be perfect, always look good and never show weakness.

This thinking keeps me safe and protected but also makes it almost impossible to connect on a truly deep level with the people around me. Every time I fall into that pattern, it feels like I'm showing a version of myself that's not me. I put on a perfect show and it's exhausting.

In reality, I'm human - and sometimes, humans struggle.

So I took a deep breath and said,

"I really admire how you're able to trust life that everything that's meant for you will come to you. I can see how deep it runs and I find it mad impressive and inspiring, it's definitely something I can work on. It's really beautiful."

Boom. There it was. Out in the open. No way of taking it back.

But it felt good to say it - and her response affirmed that feeling.

She thanked me for the kind words and told me it made me more relatable.

It was beautiful because I could feel how this strengthened our bond - and I learned a valuable lesson.

Your partner, your friends, your family - they don't want you to be perfect (if they do, get someone who appreciates you as a human being.)

They want you to be the real you.

They want you to be authentic.

Secret Sauce - This Week's Question:

We often hold back our true selves because we fear getting rejected or judged.

The thing is, I can't promise you it won't happen. But if it does, view it as a filter for the people who aren't a good fit for you - after all, do you want someone in your life who likes you for who you pretend to be?

So this week, ask yourself:

"Where can I be more authentic?"

It will:

• Make you more relatable and help others understand you better

• Allow you to be your authentic self with less pressure to perform

• Create a true, deep connection that holds even when life gets tough

• Give people a chance to love the real you instead of the show you put on

Admit when things go wrong. Ask for help when you feel helpless. Allow yourself to not always have the answers.

And give a true, vulnerable compliment to someone.

It will make their day - and yours.

🙏