In this world, showing up as your true self is one of the most important things you can do if you want to succeed at anything. By this I mean not hiding your essence because you are afraid of being judged, not liked, ridiculed, not loved, outcast, or anything other negative outcome. If you don’t allow others to truly see you, you can’t have an honest relationship or express yourself fully. That means you can’t achieve your potential or live fully in any way, shape or form.
I know this because I’ve experienced it. Recently, someone point out to me that I was hiding. She didn’t use that word, but I knew that was what she meant.  I used to write and teach about creating sacred space, but she pointed out that I no longer created it for myself in my home. As I thought about this, I realized I didn’t feel comfortable doing so. Nor did I feel comfortable talking about some of the things I believe or even expressing my beliefs outwardly by creating that sacred space or wearing crystals or reading spiritual or metaphysical books. By suppressing this part of myself, I was, indeed, hiding it. I wasn’t showing up as my entire self.
What’s worse, when I hid myself, I felt ashamed—both about who I was and about hiding my true essence.
Why did I do this? For fear that showing up in all my glory might affect my marriage and  my professional connections negatively. Yet, I know, deep down inside, that expressing myself—all of myself—allows me to function in this world in a really deep and meaningful way. In fact, it allows me to fulfill my soul purpose. If I don’t allow myself to really show up, I don’t fulfill my purpose or my potential.
There’s some fear in that as well…really playing big in this world. But I know that’s what I want to do. I want to show up. I want to make a difference.
So, a few weeks ago, I stopped worrying so much about what anyone thought—including my husband. (And lately, he’s been showing up differently, too.) I decided to begin pursuing some of the goals I’d put on the back burner. I’m a lot happier, and I feel freer and more able to do what I am here to do. I feel more like…well…me.
The people I know who are true to themselves and show up, rather than hiding their essence, have fabulous and fulfilling relationships and careers. It makes sense. We weren’t born into this world to hide who we are. We are born into this world to express ourselves and fulfill our potential by giving all our gifts to the world–to show them to others. Isn’t that what you want to do? I know I do.
Are you hiding in any way? Do you know from whom or from what? Tell me about it in a comment.
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