I smile. That’s what I do. Everybody who knows me says I smile. I’ve always been that person everybody expects to always have it all together.

When I don’t smile, I’m asked, “Are you okay, Angela?” Of course, I’ve always answered yes…no matter if I was having a rough time or not. I think I feared letting them down or discouraging them somehow. Of course, it could just be my ego talking to me, too, you know. God forbid somebody think I’m not perfect, right? Therefore, during this last season of challenges (now two weeks long), I began answering another way. “No, I’m not okay.”

I began this for a couple of reasons. One: I’m not okay and sometimes I need to get a little sympathy. Two: If someone knows I need that sympathy (or advice), and they offer it, and it helps (which it usually does), then we both feel better.

In the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing my challenges when someone asks. Furthermore, I let them know I’m having a difficult time dealing.

And an interesting thing has been happening. Helpful information and beautiful encouragement has been coming my way. I’ve also learned those are not bad things to receive and the connection within my personal community is getting stronger.

I’m okay with that.