Living YOUR authentic life
Ever since I was a little girl I have been taught to talk, act, and behave in what is considered "appropriate" ways. But in the past few years I've begun to question the thinking that is behind what I've been taught. I know the difference between right and wrong and strive to do what's right in everything I do. But my thoughts go deeper than right and wrong...they go to a place that questions differing opinions, cultures, religions, and everything else that makes us so diverse.
Like just about everyone else on the planet, I've had more than my share of trauma and hardship over the course of my life, and those times have made me into who I am today. I've been told countless times that I'm brash, abrasive, cold, aloof, distant, manipulative, controlling, loud, and harsh. In reality, I'm the polar opposite of everyone of those assumptions, with the exception of being loud...I accept others for who they are, and always recognize others in a way that, hopefully, makes them feel as if they are the most important person on earth. Meeting others where they are is the most impactful way to develop a true and lasting relationship.
One of my favorite quotes is from the late Steve Jobs, "Don't waste your time living someone else's life"...the first time I read that I realized we are all guilty of this to some degree. When we enter into the workforce we're expected to fit into the culture of the workplace. In a sense we are being asked to live someone else's life. The expectations are for us to live according to someone else's ideas and values and when we do this we give up a little piece of ourselves. Whether you compromise your own values a little, try to tone down your opinions so they reflect only what others want to hear, or let your own voice be overridden - you give control and power to those you are seeking approval from. Why do we seek the approval of others to the point that we give up part of who we are? We will never obtain the lasting approval we seek, instead we should try to look at relationships differently: it's not about what others think about you - it's what you think about them.
For many that's an easy task, for others, like myself, it's not so easy. I have always felt depleted by the negative undertones within conversations that try to control and manipulate my values, sense of worth, and most of all, my own voice. To counter this sometimes all consuming negativity, I meet others where they are, allowing them to be who they are, appreciating and accepting them for what they bring to this world.
Every morning, before my feet touch the floor, I give thanks for the gift of realization and understanding that it's ok for me to be who I am - because there is only one me and I am here to fulfill my purpose regardless of the outside opinions of others who think differently than me. I surround myself with a select few who uplift and encourage my values and beliefs, accept me for who I am, notice, embrace and encourage my efforts to be true to myself and what I choose to pursue.
The life we have been given doesn't come with a manual - but if we choose to listen to our own inner voice we can be pushed outside of ourselves long enough to see the potential of what could be and the difference we can make. And that is living YOUR authentic life and not someone else's.
Like just about everyone else on the planet, I've had more than my share of trauma and hardship over the course of my life, and those times have made me into who I am today. I've been told countless times that I'm brash, abrasive, cold, aloof, distant, manipulative, controlling, loud, and harsh. In reality, I'm the polar opposite of everyone of those assumptions, with the exception of being loud...I accept others for who they are, and always recognize others in a way that, hopefully, makes them feel as if they are the most important person on earth. Meeting others where they are is the most impactful way to develop a true and lasting relationship.
One of my favorite quotes is from the late Steve Jobs, "Don't waste your time living someone else's life"...the first time I read that I realized we are all guilty of this to some degree. When we enter into the workforce we're expected to fit into the culture of the workplace. In a sense we are being asked to live someone else's life. The expectations are for us to live according to someone else's ideas and values and when we do this we give up a little piece of ourselves. Whether you compromise your own values a little, try to tone down your opinions so they reflect only what others want to hear, or let your own voice be overridden - you give control and power to those you are seeking approval from. Why do we seek the approval of others to the point that we give up part of who we are? We will never obtain the lasting approval we seek, instead we should try to look at relationships differently: it's not about what others think about you - it's what you think about them.
For many that's an easy task, for others, like myself, it's not so easy. I have always felt depleted by the negative undertones within conversations that try to control and manipulate my values, sense of worth, and most of all, my own voice. To counter this sometimes all consuming negativity, I meet others where they are, allowing them to be who they are, appreciating and accepting them for what they bring to this world.
Every morning, before my feet touch the floor, I give thanks for the gift of realization and understanding that it's ok for me to be who I am - because there is only one me and I am here to fulfill my purpose regardless of the outside opinions of others who think differently than me. I surround myself with a select few who uplift and encourage my values and beliefs, accept me for who I am, notice, embrace and encourage my efforts to be true to myself and what I choose to pursue.
The life we have been given doesn't come with a manual - but if we choose to listen to our own inner voice we can be pushed outside of ourselves long enough to see the potential of what could be and the difference we can make. And that is living YOUR authentic life and not someone else's.
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