This past weekend, my wife and I went to the movie “The
Greatest Showman.” The movie prompted me to share my next topic on this blog.
This topic is one that is personal and inspiring to me. For those who have not
seen the movie, I will make sure to not spoil it for you. The movie speaks to
those of us who don’t fit in the socially accepted BOX. The movie is inspiring
in a way that shows that each of us has a place and outside influences don’t have to
determine our destiny.
Growing up I lived in a rural community with strong
religious beliefs. I grew up thinking there was only one way to live and if I
were ever to detour from that path, I would disappoint my family and no longer
have self-value. In our community there were social situations where I was to
act a certain way, and talk a certain way, and do all the “right” things to be
blessed. I don’t share this experience with hostility or frustration I am just
sharing my experience.
When I was 13 I realized I was different. I didn’t want to
be different, I wanted to fit into the box that was expected. I knew that if I detoured
from the path implied, there would be repercussions that would hurt not only me
but those around me. I suppressed my differences until I was 29 years old. When
I embraced my truth, and decided to live in a space of authenticity, I have
found these valuable truths I wanted to share today:
1.
I am a better friend, daughter, and mother then
I ever was before. (Ask my daughter she will tell you 😊.)
2.
I live in a space of authenticity everyday
knowing I am different than everyone else. However, I embrace that each of us
have our own journey, and I recognize many of the emotions we all face are a lot
the same.
3.
Living in my truth has provided me with more opportunities
for growth, friendship, and happiness I wouldn’t have ever had the opportunity
to experience not living in my truth.
4.
Living in my truth doesn’t come without a cost.
I wish I could say that each day is bliss and that all others understand and
recognize the value of authenticity. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. The
beauty of it all is, once we recognize and embrace our unique qualities – we can
free ourselves from the desire to feel approval and acceptance from those
around us. We are okay from the inside out rather than the outside in.
5.
If each of us live in our unique space created
for us, the journey of our life can be molded and divinely tailored just as it
was intended to be.
I have spent many years studying the work of Brene Brown.
She is an author, story teller, and researcher. She has spent much of her
journey studying shame, vulnerability, and the value of connections.
She states: “Stop walking thought the world looking for
confirmation that you don’t belong. You will always find it, because you have
made that your mission. Stop scouring people’s faces for evidence that you’re
not enough. You will always find it, because you have made that your goal. TRUE
belonging and self- worth are not goods; we don’t negotiate their value with
the world. The truth about who we are lives in our hearts. Our call to courage
is to protect our wild heart against evaluation, especially our own. No one
belongs here more than you.”
As I reflect on “The Greats Showman”, the lessons I am
learning, and the quote from Brene Brown, I realize that fitting in to a crowd,
and belonging in the world, are very different. For the first 29 years of my
life, I wanted to fit into a world I never belonged. But as I am true to myself
and seek my own belonging inside my heart, connection, friendship, and growth
comes naturally. It isn’t forced. The difference we can make as we are true to
who we are is something that was intended so long ago.
It’s my journey – Its my ending…. I create each day realizing
I am the master of my own destiny. I am not perfect at it – but each day I try
harder to stand in my truth – hoping I can live in my true space more and more
each day.
Are you living in your truth? I have found each day is an opportunity
to look inside our hearts and ask ourselves – is this my truth? This blog
originates from – this very truth I had in my heart, to share what I am
learning, and learn from each of you!
Love you all –
