Life isn’t perfect.  It’s not supposed to be.  It’s supposed to be REAL:  a messy “learning lab” of experiences, mistakes, and practicing our ability to reflect on all of it—hopefully cultivating a positive outlook. An outlook that creates a meaningful, beautiful, and one-of-a-kind life.  A life we can share by loving and uplifting others…..and, ultimately, ourselves.

So, here’s the thing:  Life isn’t a picture-perfect bowl of cherries, but with the right perspective, we just may end up with a banana split. Yes, a messy dessert to be sure, especially with all of the gooey and sticky syrups, melting ice creams, and whipped cream; but, you know what?  Those garnishes sure do make that banana a lot more interesting….and definitely worth enjoying!

After all, it’s the messy stuff that teaches us to be our best selves. And, let’s be real….being our best selves is truly the “cherry on top” of the banana split of life.