Do People See the Real Me?

The photos below :: Me. Each photo was taken over the course of the last two months. I surely know how to put myself together, don't I? Or at least look 'put together.'

I've heard it said :: 'the people who smile the most are the ones with the hardest situations.' Perhaps those people find happiness & appreciation in the littlest things. I've heard it said, 'even in your trials, smile, praise & thank God.' I'm still working on that.

For me :: I usually put on a happy face & try to look very nice out the outside when deep down, I'm struggling. I figure I can mask how I feel on the inside by looking 'great' on the outside. What a twisted concept. A sad one, really. I should be able to be how I feel when I want to. However, that's not appropriate for all situations or people. 

Tonight I spent time w close friends. Only with these people am I able to 'wear' my feelings. Sometimes, that's very freeing & that's what I need right now. Too many times I've had to play a role and not be me. Well, tonight I was able to be me. I don't feel my happiest, and those girls know it, yet they were pleased to let me feel my feelings. It was good. The laughs we shared were AMAZING & also what I needed. Each day, I get a little more of me back. It's going to be a slow process ... But I pray I will get there.