In a world that has become more divisive we should be unique, open and honest, but what you see isn't always what you may get. It is important to speak your truth, but do that in a way that others can listen attentively and not be dictated to.

What you see with me is what you get. I’m not one way in my blogs and another way in my personal life, but as we go about our daily lives we expect others to behave in the same way and may not stop to question their motives.

Growing up, believing people are genuinely good

I grew up believing people were genuinely good, but there may also come a time when we may become more cynical and question other people’s motives. The only time I am cynical, is if there is a fundamental reason for me to be cynical.

Our cynical lives

Unfortunately, those who are continually cynical will continue to live their lives that way and that comes from a lack of trust. For whatever reason, you may not always trust what others say, and maybe take what they say with a pinch of salt.

Life behind a facade

It is important that what people see, is what they get. Behind a facade, showing others a different version of us, can never play out well long term, nor can it help others understand or get to know us personally.

Navigating life is hard

It’s hard enough navigating life, let alone with people we can never know. We shouldn't be naïve enough to think that how we conduct ourselves is how others choose to conduct themselves. We should learn to open-up, so that people get to see the real us, with no filters. If more people got to see the real us, there would be no need for cynicism.

It is not always easy to read people, for us to understand their motives, therefore it is important that what we see is what we get.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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