“The most exhausting thing you can do is to be unauthentic.”
I really smiled when I read this quote from Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
Most of us grew up learning pretty quickly what was acceptable thinking, feeling and behavior, and what was not. And yet we are all very unique individuals – how do we balance our own “uniqueness” with what we learned as “socially acceptable?”
Developing your creativity will help you find a place to express more of your true self. We are all delighted when we hear a piece of music, see an original drawing or painting, or read something that strikes a chord – the aha! moment when something external, and created by someone else, connects with something deep inside us – perhaps something we felt no one else had felt or known.
We feel seen, connected to something or someone outside ourselves in a deep and real way. This is the reason we encourage you to play, to explore with a childlike curiosity, to allow yourself to be seen – whether in work or play – in all your unique and quirky glory.
Your own thoughts, feelings and ideas are valuable – and necessary for not just your own growth but the growth of the world. Vulnerability forges connections and continuing growth.
We all have many weaknesses and idiosyncrasies we may have been afraid to expose to the larger world. Sharing them may bring you unexpected acknowledgement, connection, and joy.
Homaira Kabir has wonderful blogs and podcasts on the dangers of trying to be perfect all the time – you might want to check her out at Homaira Podcast . The world is enriched by your uniqueness, and at the same time, your willingness to accept others.
We are all in this together! Sharing our weaknesses does not mean whining or complaining, it simply means honesty.
Ask yourself –
What is unique about me that I have been afraid to share?
What are my weaknesses? Is it possible that I might create connections by sharing these?
How deeply do I desire to be seen?
Wishing you a week filled with embracing your authentic self, creative inspirations and a bit of quirky! Patty & Suzanne
Wow Ladies,
This really hit home for me. I am a Fixer of Things. I started my career loving the joy of seeing an engine go from inert to “Alive” and if you get the ratios of Air, Gas and Spark just right it HAS to run. Unlike people. As I am restructuring the Me of semi retired? I enjoy that I have found going back to the beginning of doing what fueled my fire and realizing it’s not about the money anymore. Just about looking for the youngster inside and embracing it. And maybe, having a few extra lighters.