Discovering the authentic, organic you
So where does self-awareness lead you? It leads you to the authentic, organic you. Underneath all your fears, anxieties, worries, self-consciousness, self-doubt, guilt, blame, and shame is you and that you is filled with love. There is so much love inside of you that nothing else can enter. That little lite that shines inside of you is you. It’s the authentic you that is your soul, your spirit, your divine life.
The authentic you places you first, not in a selfish way, but in a self-love way. We say that we should put our kids first. When we put ourselves first, we teach our kids to take care of themselves, stick up for what they need and feel, and teach them not to allow others to walk all over them. When we put ourselves first we are mentally in a better place and able to help. When we put ourselves first and understand who we are, then we become predictable and people know what to expect out of us. You become clear and consistent.
If you are ever asked to do something and you are already at your breaking point, it’s ok to say no. If you do not say no, someone else cannot say yes and be given the opportunity to help. Self-love uncovers the authentic you.
The authentic you is true to your feelings, needs, and wants. Rather than talking under your breath, you communicate and express your feelings. Rather than clamming up, you speak your mind in words of love. You do not let people walk all over you, take advantage of you or hurt you. If you aren’t where you want to be, leave. If you are where you want to be, stay.
Before you can be your authentic you, you have to discover the authentic you and that is the purpose of self-awareness. The more you speak, journal, reflect, and feel, the better you will understand yourself, thought patterns will be revealed, and then you can shift to a healthier way of living as the organic, authentic you. No one can tell you what your hang-ups are because you wouldn’t see it. You would just resist it. That’s why self-awareness is so incredibly powerful as you discover the truth.
Start by asking this question: Who am I? List all of your labels (ie: mom, friend, OT, daughter, sister, business owner, stubborn, stunning, caring, pushover, shy, elegant, singer, writer, etc)
Here’s the answer to the question above. You are not a parent, you are not a spouse, you are not any less beautiful than if you weren’t dressed perfectly or had your make-up and hair done, you are not your profession, you are not a millionaire, you are not fat or thin, tall or short, and you are not a label. Take your mask of labels off and see that you are you and no one else is better at being you than you. You are perfect. Who are you? You are perfection created by God.
God made all of us and God dwells inside all of us. God is love. Therefore, you, too, are love which means you are perfect. Hide nothing. There is no need to hide. We have all had experiences we wish went differently. They are in the past. Keep moving forward and find yourself. Express your love.
How do you express your love for you? That is being God in this world. That is being the authentic you.
Now ask yourself: What do I love/ love to do? Why?
Find the similarities in the why you love the things you do and then ask yourself: What’s holding you back?
The more you know about yourself, the easier you can become the authentic you. A good friend of mine recommended the book “The Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron. He uses the enneagram test to help you discover your personality traits. Here’s a great video about it and yet another tool for your Voyage to HEAL self-discovery. There are some great 1 liners in this 3-minute video that make you stop and think such as “the problem is not what you are, but what you are not.” Check it out for yourself.
Voyage to HEAL Weekly Thoughts
Stretches: Take that rolled-up towel along your spine and open your heart or hold the back of a chair and lean forward letting your heart lead the way. You can also place the releaser ball between your shoulder blades while leaning against the wall or lying in bed. Try it on your sternum as well while laying down.
Exercises: Cardio time. Get that heart pumping. Do something cardiovascular that you enjoy for just 5 minutes of heart-pumping activity. You may just bounce on a large ball, ride an exercise bike, walk briskly, go for a jog or walk up and down steps.
Habitual change: Find 10 minutes every day just for yourself. Do something good just for you this week. Stop worrying about how you look, too. Stop wearing so much make-up and see your true beauty.
Example: Last week I had my haircut and rather than rushing back to work thinking I had things to do and I didn’t have enough time, I had lunch at a delightful restaurant next to where I got my haircut. What a refreshing break. Often times when I see a farmer’s stand or garage sale, I wish that I would stop and I don’t because I’m in too much of a hurry. This week, I am going to stop rushing around and stop when I want to.
Perspective Enlightenment: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson or “Don’t compromise yourself- you’re all you have.” John Grisham, The Rainmaker. Say to yourself~ I will be true to myself always.
There are several more great quotes at https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/be-yourself
This week’s blog post coincides with week 5 of the Voyage to HEAL: Chest releases and forgiveness of yourself. Click here to purchase just this chapter. The week 12 meditation is also very appropriate for this week’s theme.
Godspeed on your Voyage to HEAL
Love, Jocelyn
