Are You True to Yourself?

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

We watch our thoughts with awareness, rewrite old programming, sink roots deeply into our authentic being and can still catch ourselves saying things like, “What must they think?” Letting fears of how we’re being perceived restrict the greatest expression of who we are can be a challenging one to release. But if we’re busy thinking in our own minds about how we’re being perceived, and they are as well, who’s doing the judging? Should we care? Sounds like quite a waste of life and energy, if you ask me.

Wouldn’t it be better to make peace with our beautifully kaleidoscopic selves and let the rest go? I know this is an interesting yoga, as we must adhere to societal norms to a certain extent, whether we’re blending into a work environment, trying to make guests comfortable in our home, being good guests in the homes of other or just out and about in our communities.

It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else’s eyes.

~Sally Field~

Those who don’t know us have only their preconceived notions of life through which to view us, which is a very limited lens. Let’s be honest here. What you think of me is really none of my business, so why should I allow it to alter my self-perception or behavior? I know who I am and love me, faults and all! (giggle) We are all a blending of energy which could be perceived as positive and negative, light and darkness, yin and yang, depending upon the context. If we alter who we are for another, do we then become their prisoner? In a sense, perhaps. We are certainly limiting our own expression, and as creators (which we all are) we shine brightest when we bring our genuine and fullest expressions of our true selves forward.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.

~Judy Garland~

I’m not asking you to set aside your manners, obviously. I’m inviting the opportunity for you to embrace a deeper level of your truest self, to speak your own truth, and stand up for who you are. No matter what happens in the world, or how the players around you change, you are still you. People come in and out of our lives, and I choose to surround myself with people who love and accept me for my true self. They expect the best of me, but do not require that I shape myself into a mold or fit pictures of who or what I should be. It’s so important that we don’t abandon our inner self to paint a picture for another. 

We must not allow other people's limited perceptions to define us.

~Virginia Satir~

Not compromising ‘self’ is a very important, as life is far too short to limit or hold back on who we are and the gifts we came to share. We’re all different, and meant to be that way. Many of us are sensitive, with strong inclinations toward keeping the peace, not wanting to attract attention or upset the status quo. As Marianne Williamson said, “It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.” We are meant to shine, and the days of martyrdom is over. This is the one chance to be the unique individual you really are, so be bold, be the most perfect version of Beautiful you! I dare ya!

Love and Blessings,
Antonia

Read more from Antonia at http://soulatwork.com/