When people meet you, do they see the real you? Or do they see the you that you allow them to see? Do you hide parts of yourself that you worry might not be acceptable? Many successful women do this. You are not alone.
I did that for many years. There was the real me, and then there was the version of me I allowed people to see. I know now that I did it because I was terrified of being judged and rejected because of who the real me was. I felt that the real me was unlikeable and even unloveable. I retreated inside, and the real me became smaller and smaller, all while being a successful entrepreneur.
The real me loves to have fun and be around amazing people. I light up when I am helping and supporting other people, but I hid that away, and retreated further inside myself.
Here is one example. I was in a relationship where I would dream aloud about our future together. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to travel more, see the world, try new wines, see all the sights?!” Over time I was told I was the type of person who could never just be happy. That I was always looking for more. So my dreams stayed in my head, I didn’t share them anymore. And I shrank a little more each time.
Eventually I realized I had to make a choice. I could keep shrinking, and eventually have the real me disappear entirely. Or I could search for me, nurture me, and embrace the real me!
And so I chose me.
Once I rediscovered who I truly am on the inside I knew I couldn’t hide her anymore. Knowing who I really am, and living that way, a little more each day, is an amazing feeling. This is true authenticity.
Have you ever wondered what life could be like if the real you – the person you may be hiding parts of – was the real you in more and more parts of your life?
If you have, you are not alone. Many women have these thoughts and feelings. Unfortunately they usually keep to themselves and suffer in silence. I’ve been there.
Imagine the power and freedom of being more and more authentically you in every aspect of your life.
If you would like to break that cycle, here is an exercise you can do to get started.
Find something to write on, preferably a journal, and write at the top of a fresh page, “If I stopped hiding myself, what would my life look like one year from now.”
When you do this, don’t hold yourself back. You don’t have to show anyone. This is a step to you opening up and stepping closer to living as YOU, living as the best and real version of you.
Writing allows us to play and explore what is inside that we haven’t wanted to say out loud.
The real you was put here for a reason. Express yourself, be yourself. I know this might feel uncomfortable and even scary, and I invite you to do it anyway, because being you is a gift. The world is waiting for the gift you are and now is the time to shine your light. It is time to LIVE OUT LOUD.
Remember you do not have to do this alone. There are many people out there that would be glad to walk beside you. I am here for you. I see you, and I would like to see even more of you!
Reach out, let’s talk.
With love and gratitude,
Angela
