Be Real

“I always decided to say exactly what I think, whether it ruins my life or not… The truth is so funny and so beautiful and so strong and so incredible and so God-like because God is truth, you know? So you’ve always gotta find that kernel of it if you want to make people laugh or say anything that touches them or be real at all. You’ve gotta be real.” —Roseanne Barr

 

Yes, Roseanne and I agree on more topics than we disagree. 

 

Years ago, a prim and proper (wiser) colleague whispered elegantly, "People here don't say what they mean!"

 

Get. Out.

 

She, of course, was correct. Not just here but pretty much everywhere. 

 

I still find it terribly difficult to not say what I think or mean. 

 

I'm better, and I feel like a fraud, when I'm 'better'. 

 

I'm not one to spew unkind or hurtful remarks, at all. If you know me, you know. Hurtful commentary is not what I'm talking about. (If, perchance, limits have been repeatedly pushed, the preceding commentary is null and void.)

 

The truth, however, regarding so many life circumstances, begs for truth. Simple truth. 

 

People like me are certainly not everyone's cup of tea. That's okay. You can rest assured I'm giving you my best straightforward answer at any given time. I may need to mull the situation over before giving you my best straightforward answer. 

 

I'm willing to clarify, if need be, but don't ask me to be something I'm not nor will ever be. 

 

Just be real. 

 

Discretion is, of course, the better part of valor. 

 

Whatever.

 

Choose wisely.