Why Embracing Authenticity is the Key to True Freedom
I used to think that authenticity had become an overused word, but I now see it has a far deeper meaning and far more power than I realized. Authenticity is so much more than just “being me”. It’s about figuring out who I really am. It’s about figuring out who I was before the world got its hands on me. It’s about owning parts of my story that at one time made me feel very small. It’s about owning parts of my story that were once associated with so much shame and guilt. When I finally learned to embrace my story, I started to see the beauty and the power in what was once considered my dark time. If not for that dark time, I could never appreciate the light that is now guiding my mission. When you own your story, you take your power back. When you embrace all parts of your story, you take the reins and assume the leading role in the show. There is so much power in doing that.
Lean In To The Discomfort
This process might be a little uncomfortable, but lean in because it is in the discomfort that transformation takes place. Letting go of guilt and shame is the most freeing and liberating move I ever made. Shame and guilt are incredibly heavy emotions that will weigh you down with every step. These are just two of many emotions that will keep you from your true purpose. Shame and guilt will keep you playing small and they will cause you to doubt yourself every step of the way. When you make the decision to take your power back, a whole new world opens up. The possibilities are endless; What once made you feel small, becomes your superpower.
Unbecoming
It’s an “unbecoming” process that requires a deep dive into your soul. When you allow yourself to be truly authentic, your thoughts and actions are congruent. That means that what you are thinking about is consistent with what you are doing. It means that how you show up in the world matches your inner dialogue. For me, this was difficult. It raised so many concerns:What will people think? What will people say about me? Will everyone think less of me? Will people still like me? Will I be judged? How can I just start showing up differently? Talk about uncomfortable! True authenticity may require a level of discomfort. For so long, the focus has been on making sure everyone else is comfortable, never once recognizing that I was uncomfortable in my own skin.
I now realize that stepping outside my comfort zone is where the change and magic happen. I now realize that change can be uncomfortable, but that’s what makes it fun. That’s where we grow.
Rising After The Fall
All too often, we focus on our decline, “the fall”, and don’t realize we then have the opportunity to rise. That’s where the beauty is. When you embrace who you are at your core, shutting out all the outside noise and chatter, you recognize who you truly are. You are a powerhouse who is capable of doing amazing things. You were not put on this earth to play small and shrink. You were put on this earth for greatness. You were put here on this earth with a purpose. I believe deep down we all know what that purpose is. I believe we get subtle whispers that when ignored become louder and louder and then oftentimes become unpleasant until we heed our calling. Trust yourself and trust what is meant for you.
About the Author
Name: Karen Sarmento
Professional Title: Nurse Practitioner and Mindset Coach
Bio: Karen Sarmento is a Success Strategist helping high-achieving women redefine success, reconnect with their purpose, and live confidently. Host of We Are Meant for More podcast, she uses mindset and manifestation techniques to guide women from feeling unfulfilled to creating a life aligned with their deepest desires.
Website: karensarmento.com
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