Never Dimming Your Light: Embracing Your Authentic Self
Have you ever felt the need to dim your shine for others to be comfortable? To hide parts of yourself to fit in or be accepted? I know I have. For years, I thought that being a pastor, an entrepreneur, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a transformational coach, and an early retiree from the corporate world were mutually exclusive. I believed that I had to choose between them and that nobody would accept me for all of my different roles. However, I have come to realize that suppressing parts of ourselves is not only exhausting but also robs us of our authenticity. In this blog post, I want to encourage you to never dim your light and embrace all that makes you unique.
As human beings, we all have multiple roles and identities. You may be a parent, a spouse, a friend, a teacher, an artist, a writer, or a musician, among other things. It's only natural to want to present different versions of ourselves to different people. However, this can become problematic when we start hiding or downplaying parts of ourselves because we fear rejection or judgment. We may think that by doing so, we are protecting ourselves, but in reality, we are limiting our potential and missing out on opportunities to connect on a deeper level.
In my case, I felt conflicted about charging fees for my therapy services as a pastor. I thought that it would be unchristian to do so. However, I realized that charging fees for my expertise doesn't make me any less of a spiritual leader or a caring person. In fact, it allows me to sustain my practice and help more people. I had to let go of the false notion that there was only one way to be a good pastor and embrace the reality that my calling extends beyond the walls of the church.
Similarly, you may be holding back from pursuing your dreams or expressing your true self because you worry about how others will perceive you. But the truth is, you are the only one who knows what makes you feel alive, and you owe it to yourself to honor that. When you deny yourself, you are denying the world the unique gifts and talents that only you possess. You are also contributing to a culture of conformity and mediocrity that stifles innovation and creativity.
Besides, when you shine your light, you give others permission to do the same. People are naturally drawn to authenticity and vulnerability. They want to connect with you, not your facade. When you embrace all of yourself, you become a beacon of hope and inspiration for others who are struggling to do the same.
Of course, being yourself doesn't mean being reckless or insensitive. It's important to consider the impact of your actions on others and to be mindful of how you show up in different contexts. However, you don't have to relinquish your core values or beliefs to fit in. In fact, standing up for what you believe in and setting boundaries can deepen your relationships and earn you respect.
In conclusion, never dimming your light for others to be comfortable is not only a disservice to yourself but also a missed opportunity to make a positive impact in the world. Don't let fear or guilt hold you back from embracing all that makes you unique. Remember that you were created with a purpose and a vision that only you can fulfill. When you live your life authentically, you give others permission to do the same, and you contribute to a society that values diversity and inclusivity. So, go ahead, shine bright, and be the best version of yourself in every aspect of your life. You deserve it, and the world needs it.