Becoming your Authentic self

Too often we try to fit into society's "norm." When we don't fit in we think there is something wrong with us - instead of embracing our uniqueness. This would be similar to "Approval addiction." With approval addiction we don't feel that we are ok with out the approval of others. Sometimes we allow ourselves to be less than who we really are - because it is more acceptable in society. The problem with this - is that we are pleasing everyone but ourselves - just to fit in. After awhile this becomes very unsatisfying - because deep down we know that there is so much more that we can do and be.

I confess - I like people to like me. It feels good. So - God purposely made me unique so I would stand out and have to face this dragon of needing approval. People aren't always going to agree with me or like me - but God sent me here with an important mission and an important message. Who I am is enough. My ideas are not the norm of society. Sometimes it is difficult to stand out with different beliefs - but I know that I am the happiest when I live my inner truth and allow people to hear my voice.

My authentic self is very spiritual. Spirituality is an integral part of my life and who I am. It is much more than religion to me. It is realizing my God given potential - knowing that God sent me here with a specific mission. I would hate to die and realize that I fell short of God's expectations of me simply because I held myself back to fit in.

My authentic self is not main stream in my beliefs about health and nutrition. This is a HUGE part of who I am. This is where it is difficult to always live my inner truth. Many people in my life (who I love very much) believe very differently than I about health and nutrition. I don't want to come across as preachy or obnoxious - so many times I quietly live my truth - and other times I slightly stray from my truth in an attempt to help everyone feel comfortable. I'm realizing that my spirit needs me to be more consistant with my beliefs about health and nutrition. I feel that I can live my truth in a way that doesn't offend others - but is keeping to my integrity. My body, mind and spirit feel best when I am living true to my belief system. This is a signal to me that my belief system is right for me. I'm not suggesting that it is right for everyone - but it is right for me. Sometimes it's easier to go along with the crowd - to fit in - when so many people I love don't understand me. But then - it really isn't easier. My body, mind and spirit don't feel good when I go against what I believe is truth.

When God sent us all to earth he sent us all with different belief systems and talents. Isn't that wonderful? Wouldn't it be incredibly boring if we were all the same? Yet, society pushes us to conform. To be accepted we must fit into the "norm." But what if the "norm" is wrong? I would rather live up to my inner truth than try to conform. When I die - I want to be able to look at my maker and say that I lived up to my potential. Part of that potential - is living what I know is truth.

Daily - I pray for the strength to stand out and be unique, to allow myself to shine and feel grounded in who I am and who I'm meant to be. Realizing that it's ok for people to dissagree with my beliefs. I am still a good person, with much to offer - even if I do not choose to conform to society.

It is a fine line between conforming to society and standing out as unique. Each of these should be balanced. We need to contribute to society as a whole. We need to hold jobs and pay taxes. We need to contribute to making society better. To just stand out as different is not enough. Some people refuse to conform at all. They choose to not hold jobs or go to school because they are free spirits. This is not AT ALL what I am suggesting.

God sent us here with our unique talents and attributes to contribute to society as a whole - and yet be our unique, authentic selves. Each of us have unique talents. Each of us were sent to earth to fulfill a special mission - that only we can fulfill. We can teach and help society grow into something even better. Running from society is not the answer. Completely conforming to society is not the answer. I encourage all reading to live up to your God given potential. Make a mark on society because you are unique. Live up to your values and your belief system. Have a voice. Speak up and be heard.