I know I’m here to serve by following my joys and sharing my heart. But why is it so hard to be myself?
I asked myself this question, and here’s what came…
You have spent your life too concerned about what others think, judging yourself through their eyes. And without much awareness of it, you’ve shaped yourself into a more “acceptable” and “presentable” version of yourself, to fit in with the mold.
But most people are doing just the same, making the mold more and more generic. They hide some of the most quirky, endearing, powerful, and raw parts of themselves in the closet.
You’ve hidden some parts of yourself for so long, that even you’ve stopped accepting them.
You questioned the validity of this quirk, or that interest, or your unique way of seeing and experiencing the world. And over time, these parts of you lost their voice. They lost your attention, as you focused on nourishing the parts of yourself that you wanted people to see.
No wonder it’s so difficult to listen to the voice of your heart. It has been quieted for so long!
For years, I neglected my inner child, my artist, my interest in the esoteric and spiritual, my awe for life. I was afraid of being perceived as too cheesy and not taken seriously. And I also neglected my inner power, my conviction, my trust in myself.
But these are some of the truest parts of me. They make me come alive.
I started sharing more of my true self with people, through posting my writing and art on Instagram, being playful and carefree, sharing my spiritual journey, and showing my vulnerabilities. And something magical happened.
I connected more deeply with people, heart-to-heart, than I have in my life. People who had been fitting the ‘mold’ on the outside came out of the closet to reveal their own quirks, curiosities, and inner power. I started meeting more people who are starting to walk the path of the heart or already living their truths.
And I realized that we all have magnificent, radiant GEMS hidden deep inside!
When we bring them out to see the light of day, they sparkle so powerfully. The person carrying them lights up from the inside out.
We all have hidden dreams… an inner child that just wants to play, laugh, hope… ingenious ideas and secret fantasies… And we all have ‘weaknesses’, pains, and emotions we haven’t allowed ourselves to fully feel.
It’s what makes us HUMAN. Deep. Real.
You can start by re-discovering your true self, at first alone. Some of those gems are for your pleasure only. And later, you can take off more masks in front of your friends and greater community.
Of course, not everyone will resonate with you. Some people will judge. Others may ignore you on the outside, while secretly watching you. And that’s okay.
But you’ll find that when you can be yourself, no matter where you are and who you’re with, you can finally be free.
You’re not doing it for anyone but yourself. But in doing so, you give others permission to shine their light.
~~~
Written from the heart 💞
For daily writing and insights, find me on Instagram @ashmi.path.
If you enjoyed this post, I have also written a book called Awakening the Heart of Humanity, with words and art from the heart. You can check it out here.
Love,
Ashmi
