External pressures often influence our choices, making it easy to lose sight of who we truly are. A lack of self-awareness leads to conformity, while embracing our authentic selves is essential for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.
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There’s a saying: If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.
Many of us recognize the truth of this, even as we pretend to be unaffected by it — especially in our relationships. But the most debilitating relationship we face is often the one we have with ourselves. Consider these variations of the saying:
- If you don’t stand up for yourself, you’ll defer to anyone, regardless of their quality or character.
- If you don’t know who you are, you’ll be told who to be.
- If you don’t stand for something, you stand for nothing; you’re merely a sheep.
- If you don’t have confidence, you’ll be intimidated by strength, whether real or imagined.
- If you don’t make a commitment, you’ll waffle in perpetual indecision.
- If you don’t have a purpose in life, you’ll never find meaning — you’ll live by someone else’s design.
Many people live by these unspoken, socially accepted directives. As we can see, there’s a lot at stake — energetically, spiritually, mentally, and even physically. How often do we use strategies and compromises to fit in or feel good? How often do we settle for less than the ideal just to feel wanted? How often do we sell out for rewards, favors, or profit? How often do we rely on the passionate words of others instead of listening to the truth that rests forever within our hearts? How often do we wear masks, speaking pleasantries to appear polite, politically correct, socially accepted, or commercially successful?
There is a pervasive superficiality in our culture that leaves a bitter taste in the soul. It provokes corrosive, self-defeating behaviors like deflecting, projecting, shaming, and gossiping. To cope with our perceived insignificance and insecurity, we often hide behind these limiting social facades.
Sadly, these postures rob us of joy and drain our vitality, keeping us hovering somewhere between normal and numb. If that isn’t good enough for you, it might be time to reconsider your motivations — but resist the urge to engage in self-reproach or judgment.
Live, listen, and learn:
- We compromise too much to belong.
- We suppress too much to feel safe.
- We defend too much to be vulnerable.
We forget that living from our true selves is what defines, attracts, and manifests the things that resonate with us most authentically.
In other words, our reality reflects who we truly are — not who we wish to be or pretend to be.
Every moment, in every circumstance, offers a new opportunity to make a better, more aligned, and simpler choice — though it’s rarely the easiest.
Nobody wants to be lonely, but no one is ever truly alone. Close your eyes and breathe into your heart. You’ll remember that you are safe. You are this — and so much more.
You are enough.
You are important.
You are essential to this earthly dance.
You are an entirely original song, as beautiful as the wind and as playful as time.
You… be you.
Veritas tua te liberabit
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“Fleshwound” from the album of the same name…