Authenticity

Is who you are inside apparent to the outside world.

Yes, we all have masks and facades that hide our real jewel. It's easy to want to please people so we present something other than who we really are or our true feelings about a matter. We say yes when we want to say no and then end up feeling used, while we continue to smile and act as if it's okay.

When who you are on the inside does not match who you are on the outside, you experience anxiety. When your deep inner goals and reality do not come to the surface, unrest is formed. When you say yes when you mean no, resentment builds. When you smile when you are crying inside, your spirit hurts.

Throughout life, little by little we can steer away from our true essence if we are not careful. Sometimes people end up on the wrong road, leading a life that doesn't reflect their interests or express their hearts.

I get it. Sickness, hatred, cheating, death, decay, lying and all manner of bad things get in the way of our desire to experience wholeness. We often say to someone who can't reconcile the bad things in their lives "well what do you want - Heaven on earth" as if it's so wrong to long for the beauty that we were created for. The life that our souls want to lead.

I can't tell you how to wipe away all problems. That will come in time. However, I can tell you that right now, in very simple ways you can start to live your life with more authenticity - with a more real expression of who you are on the inside and have your outsides match.

The very first thing you need to do is determine that you WANT to do it. You may make some people angry (when you say no). You may not "fit in" where you have been trying to hard to belong. You may have to let a few areas of comfort and security go by the wayside and live a life with higher risk. These are the choices that you must weigh if you are going to live with a more authentic expression.
It's not for the feeble or faint of heart!

If you can pass go - you can collect the $200! State your intention. "I am ready to practice what I preach". "I am ready to live by my true desires." "I am ready to show myself to the world!"

Ok, good start. Now look inside and find out some areas that you are NOT living authentically.

Do you hate your job? Does it stand for everything you stand against? (Hard one - I know, you have to eat and pay the bills). Are there any changes that you can make that will support your highest good - your true self - your purpose? Can you go back to school? Can you make a lateral move into a new position? Can you accept less money but find more joy in what you do? Think about it.

Do you know the good you should do and NOT do it? Diet and exercise is a good example. Most people know exactly what to do to be healthy, but it's SO HARD to go against the forces of society and stand up for what you believe in and treat your body like the temple that it is. (For more on that read over my other entries for the past few months, in my battle to reclaim my health and my body).

Do you say yes when you want to say no? It's time to examine your people-pleasing ways. REALLY. Don't you owe it to your true self to live the truth. You help no one by giving in! Do the inner work that you need to do to deal with this issue. Get still and quiet and look deep within to see what your spirit is whispering to you about these things.

Your integrity is everything you know. People sense right away if you are really who you appear to be. You are fooling no one, especially yourself.

You have one life on this earth, in this body and you need to decide if you are going to let that little light shine in your, or are you going to let other people turn down the switch and dim your light.

Live with authenticity today... it's good for the soul!

On a more personal note - you will be glad to know that yesterday I took a day off and "unplugged"... that too is good for the soul!