Daring To Be Yourself

One of the greatest freedoms is the freedom to be yourself, fully and completely, regardless of what others will think. I’m not talking about being irresponsible and doing whatever you desire at the cost of others. I’m talking about showing the truth of you; your style, your preferences, your quirkiness, your uniqueness- you!
 
To some, that idea is appalling as what others think is paramount. And I get it. Many of us were raised with the idea of, “what will people think?!”
 
That can be a hard issue to overcome. I know I had to release layers of self-consciousness and worry over something someone else might be thinking. While also releasing the subconscious message of perfection that quite frankly, is unattainable and certainly not fun.
 
The more I worked through it while getting comfortable and confident in my skin, the more I realized if someone else has an issue, that’s their problem.
 
If it makes you happy and isn’t harming anyone, then live your life.
 
You need to dare to be yourself.
 
Here’s a simple example: I love stickers. A card isn't a card without stickers. I had always done it for friends, but then I expanded it to holiday cards. I spend a crazy amount at the sticker store- yes there is a sticker store in LA- and I use stickers on everyone's card. Do I know some people make fun of me? Yes. Do I care? Hell no- it's stickers and if someone is too proper and uptight to appreciate my stickers, that's their issue, not mine. If I can spread joy to anyone, why wouldn't I? Plus, it's fun- stickers are fun!
 
This is what I mean. No one would ever call me cool, and I have no problem with that. Cool requires a lot of work and my time is better spent.
 
I bring this up today as it’s been coming up in sessions lately; how to own the fullness and richness of your true self. Recognizing your value and what you bring to the table when you’re authentic.
 
If this issue triggers you, don’t judge it, simply ask, “what’s the worst that could happen if I showed up authentically?” Then listen to or write out the answers. Maybe you’re afraid of being laughed at, ostracized, or rejected. Quite possibly, there are those in your life who would respond that way. But if you’re always living to please another, you’re shrinking your own light and gifts of what you bring to the world. Don’t do that. Work through your fears, clear the pain of past incidents from childhood or adolescence, and then honor your current truth. In baby steps to make it easier and less scary. 
 
When you own who you truly are from a place of empowerment, you find it's a lot more fun to be real than to be perfect. Dare to show your true self.