Just Be Honest, “How are you?”

I’ve been wondering why people find it so easy to answer this question. Some would immediately respond, “I’m okay” or “I’m good.” But then, why do I think that answering these words, “How are you?” is just so difficult to do. If we are just honest enough, we will surely find it hard to describe what we truly feel inside. It’s just sometimes, we can’t express everything because we are afraid that others might not listen. So instead of elaborating the things that are going on in our minds. We would rather answer the famous words, “I’m fine.”

Are you sure you feel just fine? Or is your heart already bursting with pain inside? Are you sure you are okay? Or is your mind now trying to fight the battle that you can never really see? I’m not telling you that your answer is wrong. Maybe you just wanted to fight the battle alone. You are trying your best to be strong, and that’s totally fine. But I hope one day, you will be able to share what you truly feel inside. And that wonderful moment will only happen when you acknowledge to yourself that you need some help.

You can be honest with the people around you. Remember that you deserve to be heard. And above all, God wanted you to know that He cares for you. So if you can’t manage to share what’s really going on inside of you, then always put this in your heart, you can surrender it all to God. You can be honest with Him. Tell Him what you genuinely feel, and He will never disappoint you. God understands the things you can’t explain, and you can just cry it out to Him.

The next time you will ask someone, “How are you?” I hope you intentionally ask the question because you really care enough for them. Hearing those beautiful words from the person who is always willing to listen is truly a blessing. Sometimes, people are just looking for someone who would care to know their story and not judge them, someone who is willing to spend time and just listen.

Now, try to ask this question to yourself again, “How are you?”

I hope this time around, you can finally share the best answer. Sometimes, it’s okay to admit that you are not okay. The most important thing is you acknowledge it to yourself, and despite what you feel, you never stop trying to be a better person. Remember that God appreciates you more than anything else.