Being Real, Being True, Being You!

A friend and I send each other a gratitude list every night. We list a minimum of three things that we are grateful for that day. I realised as I took stock for the day, that despite having things I was genuinely grateful for, my day was dominated by doing things for others.

I did not do my morning yoga and exercise as I got carried away by the requests from others. I had an impromptu meeting a friend at a coffee shop and assisted another friend with their new mobile phone.

Being a bit of a people pleaser, I realised that by doing what I believed other people wanted me to do, I had neglected my own needs. As result I was snappy when chatting to my mother later that evening.

As time is moving on, I am realising that it beside self-care being important for you to be the best version of yourself, which in turn benefits those around you. It is just as important to be honest and be real.

Oriah, in her poem The Invitation, asks if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself.

One of the qualities that I have come to appreciate in others is their ability to be real. To be genuine. To be honest. When you say and do things that are genuinely from your heart, other people can sense that.

It is natural to worry about what other people think and want to be liked. But how can you be liked and appreciated for the beautiful person you are if you are not being true to yourself.

When you do what you believe other people expect of you, you are not honouring who you are. As Jen Sincero says: “You are the only you that will ever be. You’re kind of a big deal”.

Are you brave enough to just be you?

The world needs you, just as you are. There will only ever be one of you. So honour that. Honour yourself. Be real. Be genuine.