BENEATH THE SMILES

As summer 2024 winds down, I reflect on my favorite moments—especially having all my boys together. It had been years and was just for a day, but that made it even more special.

Photos don’t show the layers behind them—the joy and pain, gratitude and hardship, and all the moments in between.

We often overlook fleeting moments until we practice presence and gratitude, recognizing that the struggles are part of the journey, too.

Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt inadequate, jealous, or longing? What deeper insights might those emotions reveal about your own life or experiences?

Here are a few truths that have shifted how I view life and the snapshots shared

• There's always more. Behind every photo lies depth and layers that go untold.

• Happiness and struggle coexist. No one is immune to life's challenges.

• Everyone's journey is unique. Within each untold story are emotions and thoughts we can't see or fully understand.

• Reflect the learning back to yourself. When something triggers you, see it as an opportunity to explore what's happening within.

• What is the mirror showing you about your thoughts, emotions, or unmet desires?

• Express love and gratitude. Be grateful for the moments, glimmers, and stories others share—however brief or curated. They reflect the beauty in fleeting moments.

• Release assumptions and embrace curiosity. When we shift from assumptions and narratives that belong in fiction novels, we free ourselves from the weight of comparison.

• Celebrate your presence. It's not about where you are or where you aren't; it's about acknowledging the present—your journey, growth, and story.

When we shift our focus away from assumptions and fictional narratives, we not only lift a burden but also make space for what's real and true in our lives.

Here's to pausing and soaking in the moments, no matter how brief—embracing both the beauty and the challenges, and remembering that every experience, whether captured in a photo or lived in between, is part of the journey.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or better yet, schedule a time to chat HERE.

Much love,
Marilyn ox

💝 Download my P.A.U.S.E. infographic as a gentle reminder to pause between your thoughts, triggers, and blessings, allowing you to reflect with intention and discover what’s most true.