Be Who You Are and Say What You Mean – Dr.Seuss
Every time we make small decisions to fit in, whether as a child or as an adult, we are burying a little part of ourselves down deep. This is really serious business, this denying of who we are.
Make it a habit, and you risk becoming confused about who you really are.
Just search the web for books on topics like “finding your true passion” or “how to get back to your true self” to get a sense of the energy it takes to find pieces that are lost.
I’d like to say that from an early age, I have been always and consistently true to myself.
That, though, would not be true. And ironically, not be honest about who I am.
The opportunities for adults to deny their truth in favor of approval are endless, and choices can feel complicated. In some moments, I have done better than others, whether it be stating an honest, but unpopular position or choosing to not join the herd and go out on my own, standing strong within the feeling of a deeper truth, and not settling for the everyday answers.
I do know for sure that I have never met one human being—not one—who regrets making choices that reflect who they really are.
Recently, something reminded me of the rewards of being true to who you are.
A conflict arose within my family circle and my son could see my struggle.
I stood my ground, stated my reasons and he loved me more for it.
I told him how important it was to listen to all the information, then listen to your heart. The real you, the observer, knows the answer.
Just like denying ourselves can slowly bury who we are, small decisions to be you can have a cumulative impact too. The more often that we are brave enough to express who we are, the easier it gets.
So, in this present moment, how about you?
Are you growing up to be who you truly are?
Here are easy suggestions for building the BEING YOU habit.
1. Express your uniqueness daily. Create a daily practice of doing or saying something that expresses you without regard to its popularity or commonality. It can be as simple as a clothing choice or saying no to a social engagement that will leave you feeling drained.
2. Make time for brief moments of solitude. Even just a few minutes during the day can help you connect to yourself rather than being caught up in outside forces.
3. Re-connect to a childhood passion. Think about what you loved to do as a kid as it can be a clue to your truest expressions.
4. Write down three things that you truly value. Take one small action every day to express your values.
5. Create relationships based on being you. Some people are more naturally inclined to care what others think. Others not so much. Build friendships upon strengths and reach out when you need support.
6. Find your mantra. Sometimes we end up compromising who we are because it is hard to say no. Write down on a small card an opinion or a response to a difficult question you are not prepared to give. Doesn’t have to be eloquent!
7. Support someone else in self-expression. When you see someone standing out rather than fitting in, be a voice of encouragement and support.
8. Create art. Spend even one minute a day writing or drawing a picture, dancing to a favorite song or singing out loud when no one is around.
Remind yourself how important this is.
Hang up a sign with the quote at the beginning of this post or another that reminds you the importance of being you.
If you feel like your true self is lost under the debris of fitting in, take heart, you are closer than you think.
