Let’s be honest: it does feel costly to be ourselves. Maybe not all of the time, but certainly in some relationships, some conversations, some contexts?
Believe me: I completely get it! Here’s a peek inside the (sometimes) craziness of my brain:
- I know I need to _______.
- But if I do, then _______ is going to get mad (or hurt or offended or silent) which will then lead to an argument which will then lead to them shutting down (or blowing up or walking away or being passive aggressive) which will then lead to me having to mend fences or else deal with the fallout.
- The fallout will be awful. _______ will happen and then _______ will happen and if that’s not enough, then _______ will most definitely happen!
- Once those things occur, that will mean that I have to _______ which will then impact _______ and ________, and _______!
- It’s too much. It’s too risky. I can’t handle all of this!
- Better to NOT be fully myself.
- Whew! ‘Glad I thought that through!
My brain aside, I’m guessing yours processes somewhat similarly, especially when you are on the verge of stepping more fully into who you are, telling your truth, choosing alignment and authenticity; defying compromise or compliance or playing small or holding back or hiding or putting others’ emotions above your own or, or, or…
Here’s what is true:
More times than not, the choices we make to be fully ourselves come with a whole freight train of risk, cost, and consequence.
It’s no wonder we are a bit tentative!
So, what is a wise, brilliant, amazing, and strong woman (you!!!) to do?
I wish I had an easy answer. There isn’t one. (Parenthetically, let me say that you should be highly suspect of anyone who does!) But here are 4 uneasy answers that are worth considering:
- Don’t ignore or downplay the risks, the costs, and the consequences. And please don’t try to *just* have the “right” mindset and overcome (or repress) them.
- Give yourself permission to name all that you’re afraid of. Listen to the inner chatter, the imposter, Resistance itself. Unedited. Unrestrained.
- Listen to the wisdom within, to your wisdom. Even the fears themselves offer profound insight that is deep and true and trustworthy. You are wise.
- Let the wisdom that is yours — including the awareness of risks, the inner chatter, and the stunningly powerful insights — help you remember just how strong and amazing you are.
It feels costly to be fully yourself because it is!
Naming this is what reveals just how valuable and important you-being-you actually is.
(And, in case you were wondering, you’re worth any cost and every price!)
May it be so.