Be Yourself

“Be yourself is all that you can do” – Audioslave (Song: Be Yourself)

We’ve been told to be ourselves throughout our lives, but we’ve also been asked to conform to society, be adaptable to our office culture, be quiet in some spaces, and speak up in others. This constant push-and-pull between self-expression and societal expectations can make it challenging to discover who we truly are.

Finding my authentic self has been an ongoing process of exploration. In the past, I might have tried to overcome shyness by forcing myself to be overly talkative, but that wasn’t a comfortable fit either.

What I’ve learned is the importance of tuning into my own needs and feelings throughout the day. By gently asking myself questions like “Do I need to speak up in this meeting, or am I comfortable listening?” or “Would I rather join this social gathering or spend time alone to recharge?” I can begin to identify what truly serves me. Perhaps I’m thirsty, hungry, need a break, a laugh, or even a good cry.

As I can practice being myself, I can learn who that is, and it’ll be easier to be drawn to people I truly connect with. If I find what I need, I can notice which spaces feel comfortable and nourishing for me to be in. Paying attention to who I am and my needs helps me live a fulfilling life.

ACTION: Today, take a moment throughout the day to check in with yourself. Ask yourself gently, “What do I need right now?” You may not be able to fulfill every need immediately, but simply opening your awareness allows you to start finding them.

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