It’s funny — when you throw the word “secret” at people, most drift straight to the dark side. Some think of something they did years ago and hope no one ever finds out (college spring break comes to mind). Others jump ahead to the things they want or wish for but keep hidden… maybe because they’re afraid to let anyone really know them. Maybe because they’re embarrassed. Maybe because they assume people will laugh if they reveal their desires, their fears, their wants.
But here’s the thing: if you never confide in anyone, you rot inside. There is no secret too absurd or too heavy that can’t be shared with the right person. Be cautious, of course, about who you choose — but don’t be so cautious that you never take the risk of being vulnerable. Because sometimes it’s the secrets we share that save us.
Sylvia Plath said it better than I ever could:
“And when at last you find someone to whom you feel you can pour out your soul, you stop in shock at the words you utter—they are so rusty, so ugly, so meaningless and feeble from being kept in the small cramped dark inside you so long.”
The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath
So, to answer today’s WordPress writing prompt What’s a personal mantra or philosophy I live by? It’s simple: tell the truth to someone safe. Not to everyone. Not to the internet. Not to the loudest person in the room. Just someone who can hold it without turning it into a weapon. (Yes, there are a few other mantras I believe in too … but this one is, perhaps, the most important.)
And for the record — if you have a secret you want to send my way, I won’t laugh, I won’t judge, and I won’t pretend it’s “too much.” Sometimes saying it out loud is the first step toward not being owned by it anymore.
Cover image created with Google AI.
If this spoke to you, be sure to “like” and share it over social with someone who’d appreciate the flavor …
DISCLAIMER: These are my personal experiences and opinions. Nothing here is medical, nutritional, or therapeutic advice. Also, I’m a writer and an editor. And I try my best to make sure every post is articulate and free from errors. However, being that I edit my own work—and it’s next to impossible to properly edit your own work—I admit, occasionally there may be an error or two I miss. But doing so doesn’t make me an idiot so don’t be mean. Just smile, pat yourself on the back for finding an error and be glad you’re not the only one who makes mistakes sometimes … xoxox
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