Embracing Authenticity Like Your Life Depends on It | #THINKINGHUES
Why the journey to being truly seen is life's ultimate pursuit.
For a long time, I lacked the words to articulate what I’ve been searching for. Through my many life experiences and pivots, I have encountered glimmers of that possibility– of knowing exactly what I’ve been missing. Encountering the sparks of potential that ignited the deeper spirit within, of what it feels like to really know and appreciate yourself. That ideal, yet hopeful state of being that’s certain and absent of self-denial, doubt or deprecation. Despite life’s pressures I have always held on to an unwavering belief in this hopeful ideal. Nothing is impossible, so they say.
We all yearn to be seen for who we truly are, without pretence or disguise. Societal norms, cultural expectations, material ambitions, and the pursuit of careers often impose many other directions. Despite the multiplicity of pressures, within you, there’s an inner knowing, which if you choose to listen, is the ultimate compass that will guide you towards your truth; though this is easier said than done.
Throughout my life, I have sought to maintain a firm grip on this inner compass, in order to navigate where my true essence lives amongst the noise. Yet, for many years, the weight of external expectations is what dominated me instead.
I was a chameleon for most of my life.
Adapting to many social situations through an eagerness to please. Seeking acceptance and belonging even at the cost of denying myself. This ability to blend in served me well. It allowed me to transverse through various social circles with ease. It became my norm to assimilate in order to find what I thought was belonging. Objectively, I had many friends, yet, ironically I still felt lonely.
