The Healing Power of Authenticity

……Many of us grew up hearing messages encouraging us to be ourselves. But when we expressed ourselves authentically, others discouraged us. Those criticisms may have come from friends, teachers, or our parents. For the sake of order, control and conformity, we were socialized to be the people our culture expects us to be, instead of who we really are. 

……Once we become adults, these habits and routines of conformity settle into our bodies. As the world changes around us, it can be difficult, or even scary, to heal and adapt. However, one of the best parts about being an adult is our power of choice. If you want to have ice cream for breakfast, who is going to stop you? And if someone tries to protest or criticize your choice, you have the power to take your ice cream somewhere else and eat it in peace. 

……Recognizing our power of choice is the first step to embracing who we really are and showing up authentically in our community. Despite any challenge you may be facing, expressing yourself authentically has the power to heal. Our feelings and emotions are valid. When we don’t process them, they have a tendency to express themselves in unhealthy ways. Showing up authentically and taking responsibility for our actions allows us to live a life free of shame, resentment and fear. 

……Some of the people in your community may be uncomfortable with who you are. But the people who vibe with you will celebrate your authenticity. When you step out of your comfort zone to express yourself authentically, your experience helps serve as an example for others. If you expect to be treated with dignity and respect, it’s incredibly important to provide others that same courtesy. 

……When people around you express authentically in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, take a moment to check in with yourself. Notice how your feelings are your own. The other person didn’t cause you to feel that way. There is something within you that has been triggered. That trigger is a feeling for you to explore separately, maybe through a journaling practice or a conversation with a mental health professional. 

……Embracing our authentic selves may take time. We may have been conditioned to show up as someone we are not for a very long time. Sometimes, it takes awhile to unlearn habits that no longer serve us. As we do our best to heal the trauma that inspired us to show up inauthentically, mistakes will likely be made. This is a part of our growth process. It’s important to remember not to criticize ourselves and give ourselves grace as we heal and grow. 

……As we make mistakes, it’s important to take accountability for our actions. If you hurt someone, listen and take responsibility. If we would like our communities to be a more welcoming and inclusive environment for our own authentic expression, we must be willing to do the same for others. We’re all in this together.