I’m tired of pretending. I am tired of forcing myself to fit in, denying my own feelings and needs for fear of not being accepted.
I commit a terrible crime every time I repress, dwarf or hide my true self in the hope of going unnoticed. We want to be accepted, but belonging costs us a high price.
Who are those people that we fear so much? Those abstract and powerful beings who subjugate and castrate us? Who are those inquisitive and severe judges, ready to disapprove and exclude us, eager to condemn us to social ostracism?
Those people are you and me. They live inside of ourselves, in the form of prejudice and judgement. We are all responsible for living our lives in deception and dissimulation. Every time I hide behind a mask, I am self-sabotaging my authenticity.
I want to live in a world where I can show my vulnerability, my greatness and my miseries. In other words, my humanity. I want to drop my guard and overcome the embarrassment of feeling inadequate.
The following words of Marianne Williamson speak deeply to me:
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
There are only two ways of living this precious life. We can live it in love or in fear. Love allows us to live open and receptive, embracing the richness and complexity of ourselves and of others. Love is inclusive, patient and acceptant.
Let us shine, let us shine in our own way and help others do the same.
Does this resonate with you? Why not join us for our Authentic Living workshops and turn up the brightness on your own light – we would love to meet you!