“Pretending is exhausting. Being real is exhilarating.”
Pretending takes work. You have to monitor every word, every reaction, every expression. You edit yourself in real time, making sure you do not upset, offend, or disappoint. You keep track of who knows which version of the story. You wear masks that get heavier by the day. And for what? Approval? Avoiding conflict? A fragile sense of safety?
Here is the slap: no wonder you are tired. Pretending drains life out of you.
Being real, on the other hand, gives energy back. It might be messy, it might trigger reactions, it might cost you some connections — but it feels like oxygen. When you tell the truth, you do not have to keep track of lies. When you show up as yourself, you do not waste energy curating a character. When you stop performing, your Spirit finally gets to breathe.
Pretending is heavy because it is unnatural. Being real is exhilarating because it is alignment. And alignment always energizes — even when it shakes up the world around you.
So, the choice is simple: do you want the temporary comfort of pretending, or the lasting freedom of being real? One will keep you tired forever. The other will wake you the hell up.
More Food For Thought:
Where in my life am I still pretending just to keep the peace?
How is that pretense draining my energy and spirit?
What would it feel like to drop the mask and let myself be fully real?
Pretending is survival. Being real is freedom. No wonder one drains and the other ignites.
Order Today! Spiritual Bitch Slap Get Pono Journal
Looking to cultivate a consistent reflection practice?
Dive in with:
Empowering mantras
Reflection prompts
Heartfelt storytelling
Enjoying the cards? Sign up to receive a unique card to your inbox daily!