“To Thine Own Self Be True”
Sometimes it’s all too easy to be fooled or fearful and stray from our true selves. Everything in your body, heart, and soul will let you know when that happens…if you’re paying attention. And if you’re not…it’ll just scream louder until things start to really fall apart and you can’t ignore it anymore. That’s if you’re stubborn, like me. Thankfully, I haven’t let it go as far as some and am able to learn from others’ mistakes. I notice things sooner than I used to and have many more tools to course correct. I do my best to focus on the positives and growth, especially when it seems I’m revisiting familiar territory. It can be tempting to fall into discouragement that things aren’t always resolved “once and for all.” The practice of being true to oneself is a choice made over and over again. And we don’t always get abundant encouragement or validation from others to pursue that as a goal. If they’re unaware, selfish, or manipulative, they may have a vested interest in keeping you from it.
But there’s so much beauty in progress and continual unfoldment. I believe it’s what we’re truly here for and our gifts flow from that. It feels like the more persistently I’ve practiced loyalty to myself and my integrity, the easier what does not match it falls away or doesn’t get as close to me in the first place.
I’ve gained absolute trust that “the truth shall set you free” and though I may at times doubt if I got it right and I do more data gathering (read: stay stuck in the shit a bit longer, give others the benefit of the doubt, try to see from every possible angle), clarity eventually comes and I act upon it in faith and in alignment with my true self, no matter the cost. This brings a sense of rising higher, seeing farther, and feeling deeper peace. And whatever “fallout” has resulted, whatever change or sacrifice it may have required, has always been, without a doubt, absolutely worth it. I have never longed for my old life living a smaller or less authentic version of myself. I would never reverse any of those hard decisions or choose to prolong the time spent out of alignment with my highest and truest self.
I know I have higher to go and future course corrections to make. But reflecting on how many times I’ve summoned courage, chose integrity, changed accordingly, and rose to new opportunities, helps me look with greater excitement and anticipation when it comes around now, knowing it’s always worked out better than expected.
I’m wishing for you the ability to embrace change with greater ease and excitement the more you walk through it, and the better you come to know yourself. And don’t let anyone stop you or slow you down (much). :)
