Embracing your true self, unapologetically, is a revolutionary act of self-love. It means stripping away the layers of societal expectations and daring to stand boldly in your authenticity, without fear of judgement.
Our human innate desire to connect and belong has been vital to our survival, as being part of a tribe meant safety, security, and access to resources. Even in current times, our fear of rejection can make us feel as if we’ll wither away without acceptance, so we often mould ourselves into a version we think is more agreeable to others.
When you bond yourself to others’ expectations, you lose your true self. By not relenting to those (sometimes perceived) expectations, you can embark on a journey of you; to honour your authentic self and share everything that has to offer to the world.
But first you need to:
Stop apologising
Apologising for your unique personality traits, like being talkative, sensitive, or assertive, implies there is something wrong with you; it keeps you small and is often driven by fear of rejection. Apologies should be reserved for when you genuinely hurt someone, not for being yourself. Instead, own your feelings, thoughts, and actions.
When you’re unapologetic, you invite others to do the same.
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard M. Baruch
Prioritise yourself
Make daily decisions for yourself, not to fulfill others’ expectations (Read the 5 Top Regrets of the Dying). Though this can be challenging, particularly if you have people-pleasing qualities, true authenticity comes from putting yourself first. Explore your strengths, values, acknowledge your emotions, and dream your goals. As you get to know more of the things that shape your unique nature, cultivate an environment where you can thrive.
Set healthy boundaries
Protect your time and energy, your most valuable assets. Don’t compromise who you are to please others and don’t be afraid to say no to what doesn’t light you up. Setting boundaries makes space for the people and things in your life that you value most.
Manage the fear of being judged
The fear of being seen, rejected, or judged can keep us from showing up as our authentic selves. Consider what the core of your fear is and then if there is any substance to it.
For example, “I don’t want to share my love for fantasy football with others because they might think I’m weird.”
In reality, sharing your passion and joys opens the door to building friendships with people who share a common interest.
By letting yourself be seen, unapologetically, you can have more of a positive impact on those around you and enjoy the benefit of a more fulfilling, authentic life.