Pic: Jill Hancock
‘Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.’
Carl Gustav Jung
Each of us has a beautiful and unique way of expressing ourselves in the world and yet, often we believe that our contribution isn’t worthy enough, unless it is highly visible or successful.
These beliefs and thoughts can create doubt and confusion in us, or create an ongoing comparison with others, which can block the flow of our authentic expression.
When we learn how to express ourselves authentically in life, we feel alive, abundant, and full, and this opens up more creativity and room to give and receive freely.
Brene Brown says, “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be, to be accepted. Belonging, on the other hand, doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”
I think it’s easy to say to each other, ‘Just be You’ but the question is, ‘Who is that?’
What I discovered was in order for me to express my authentic self with others, I had to separate who I thought I was. Meaning, the person I was taught ‘to be’ growing up, as opposed to my true nature.
Once I understood this, I also had to learn to be vulnerable as I stepped out into the unknown as my authentic self, and witness the parts of me that still believed I should fit in, compromise or stay safe.
It’s a patient process, but it’s certainly worth prioritizing the time to discover who we really are and how we can express this creatively with each other, even when our ego-mind screams ‘No!’
Never underestimate the difference we make in the world when we live as our authentic self.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Beautifully written dear lady, from a heart standing in that very place 😀❤️🙏🏽
Thank you Mark. It’s a long journey of self discovery 💕🙏🏻
Beautifully and authentically articulated, Karen. Something that seems so simple, like knowing ourselves, can be one of our big challenges as we navigate the many voices we’ve heard for years about who we are “supposed to be” in order to fit in. Brene Brown’s research is so important. Thank you for this eloquent piece. 🙏🏻💜
Thank you Carrie. I wish it was easy! But as you know so well, it’s a constant process of learning and awakening our voice within 🤗🧡💕
you are so right and it took me a long time to get there, still a work in progress –
I think it’s a lifetime of progress Beth! 🧡 But knowing ourselves allows us all to shine in life. Thank you 🤗
This is such a continual process of uncovering layers to keep finding our truer self – you said it all beautifully.
Thank you. 🧡 I agree, there are so many layers to unravel and let go of, as we learn to discover our divine self. 🙏🏻
You are very welcome _()_
Amen to that, Karen! 👏🏼
Yes! Thanks Eliza 🧡🙏🏻
It’s a beautiful thing when you can drop the protective clothes at the door, and walk in being just “You.”
Yes, beautifully said Michele! Amen to all those who have the courage to learn this 🤗🧡👏
This path just continues and continues for me and sometimes I feel like I am at the beginning again, whether or not that is true. Also the people in our lives change. Thank you for the beautiful reminder and meditation on our true nature and authentic self.
Thank you for sharing Ka. I absolutely understand your feelings about this.
What changed for me was the realisation I was whole and complete already. And as I focus on that each day in stillness, my wounding, beliefs and thoughts began to shift without my intervention.
The difference was simple, before I was focused on what needed changing and healing and now I focus on what I am already. 🙏🏻🤗🧡
Karen, this is such an important message. I will add that as I age I have more clarity but I never want to stop being surprised by myself. Even though I get pulled back into old routines I am never going to stop trying new things.
That’s a beautiful attitude Ali. An open heart is the answer to living fully. 🧡💕🧡
A wonderful and inspiring post, Karen. ❤ Being vulnerable is always the risk we take in being who we are. xx
Absolutely agree Carol! And Thank you for being your beautiful authentic self 🤗🧡💕
❤ 🙂 Happy Easter, Karen.
It seems this process of finding, understanding, and becoming our authentic self is one that is never ending. This is a good thing, as it keeps life interesting 🙂 I love how you say that when “we learn how to express ourselves authentically in life, we feel alive, abundant, and full, and this opens up more creativity and room to give and receive freely.” In life, when we believe in ourselves and understand the creative freedom we do have, a new world can open up. Wishing you a beautiful day!
Wishing you creative freedom and abundance through all life! Thank you Randall 🙏🏻🤗