Honor Your True Self Without The Drama

Many of people spend a good portion of their lives trying to be who they think others expect them to be. Although it is important for our own safety and peace of mind to conform and abide by society’s customs and codes of conduct, it is also imperative that we feel free to authentically express ourselves – as long as it is not detrimental to the well-being of others.

These days it can be treacherous to speak your mind or express your true feelings in just about any context, but the most troublesome of places to do this is on social media platforms, where faceless strangers often attack each other mercilessly, and at times for no apparent reason.

Instead of exposing oneself publicly to the vitriol and ill-conceived opinions of random strangers, it is best to be true to ourselves within our personal circle of influence. Being yourself and living and authentic life does not require us to announce our true thoughts and innermost feelings to the entire world.

Of course, expressing your truth to those closest to us can be equally difficult. One key to successfully communicating is to truly listen with respect and consideration to the views of others. Often, we do not really hear what is being said, because we are frantically thinking of our own response to what we assume they are saying.

Actively listening to someone explaining their position can be a real test of patience sometimes, but it usually pays off in the end by way of mutual understanding, conflict resolution, or compromise.

Disagreeing without hostility and aggression is an art in itself. The world we currently live in can be a tinder box at times, with people overreacting to even the smallest perceived slight. We cannot control the beliefs, words and actions of others, but we can certainly manage our own.

Whatever you did today is enough. Whatever you felt today is valid. Whatever you thought today isn’t to be judged. Repeat the above each day ~ Brittany Burgunder

With so many issues coming to light in the information age, it can be tempting to jump into the fray. Ask yourself how important a particular matter really is? Is it truly vital that the hearts and minds of everyone we encounter every day must be changed on every given topic that may come up in our social mdia feeds? Is it necessary for everyone to agree on every point, or can we agree to disagree, and move on without any real repercussions?

Spirit invites us to think twice, before reacting to issues that are not truly critical in the greater scheme of things. Spirit says there is a time and place for everything. We must pick our battles wisely, and when we must step up to defend or enlighten, spirit recommends a softer, gentler approach, rather than trying to compel and coerce others to agree with our views.

Admittedly, it is usually also much easier to critique others than to course-correct ourselves. Taking time to reflect can be very eye-opening, especially after a pointless argument. With a strong set of morals, goals, and aspirations, we can determine whether we really are on the path that will lead to fulfillment and personal achievement.

Don’t ask yourself what the world needs, ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive ~ Harold Whitman

Throughout our lives, we will have many successes and failures. We will make many mistakes that will offer us opportunities to progress beyond our wildest dreams. We will also have to apologize many times when things go awry. Regardless of the myriad of good and bad experiences, it is most important to stay true to ourselves at the core. But that does not require us to dictate to others, or be constantly in conflict with the entire world.

We can never truly know everything that has shaped another person’s life. All we can do is be true to our own journey, while doing our very best to make the world a better place. It starts with honoring yourself, while respecting others. Take pride in your accomplishments to date, while acknowledging your mistakes. Take small steps to improve every day. And aim to become the best version of your true self.