An attempt at writing fiction fast (as inspired by photo which is courtesy of unsplash)

She was the picture of success. She drew attention to herself unintentionally and effortlessly. She exuded confidence and her charisma drew people in. But this was a carefully crafted mask that she skillfully donned by design. She had perfected a cheerful persona which served as her impenetrable armor. She fortified her heart and mind with high walls surrounded by deep moats. She did not let anyone in. She perfected a smile that led the world to believe that she was happy. She perfected laughter that was magnetic and infectious and caused others to smile too. She would pray that her sad ocean deep eyes not give the truth away. She perfected the art of conversation that enthralled many. She did not intend deceit. She had been deeply hurt and disappointed often enough to know not to hurt others – she intended kindness and compassion. She had experienced the lowest of lows yet possessed the brightest of smiles which she used with great success to conceal the deep scars of her tumultuous past. She wanted her kindness to be at least part of the reason why others felt happier, lighter. Of course she had experienced euphoric life moments personally and professionally. She enjoyed happy travel adventures. She once knew passionate love. She loved and lost – in hindsight she realized it happened for the best. She had shed more than her fair share of tears. Tears were nowadays in shorter supply and although she feels raw pain as acutely as before she has become better at managing the intensity of her feelings. She now has faith that better days will come soon.

Despite the wounds that her heart and mind have endured, she is a survivor, has built resilience and refuses to be infected with the curse of bitterness and resentment. She is healing slowly & opening her heart gradually although every now and then she shuts down at the slightest hint of potential hurt. It’s a case of once bitten, twice shy! Trusting is proving to be hard but she is committed to trying. Can you blame her for being cautious? She is learning to give herself permission to be flawed in her living, doing, being and by that I mean she is shedding the need to force a smile or laugh she previously intended for the benefit of others. There are almost no pretenses now. She is forgiving herself for past choices. The path she now walks is the most authentic it has ever been. The heaviness has started to lift off her shoulders. Though she is stronger now, she deliberately chooses to stay soft, to be kind and to keep her heart open to possibilities.