Writing a blog is a little bit like opening up your bathroom cabinet and letting strangers peer in. At least, that’s how it feels to me.
I get a lot of comments from people (friends, family and strangers alike. Also, Hi MOM!) that they really enjoy reading my blog because I present subjects in a way that feel approachable and readable, with a twist of humour. Thank you so much for those comments, because it really validates why I sit down and write about these subjects that are so often very close to my heart. It also gives me validation that my voice is heard and understood and that I’m accepted for who I am.
Being authentic is something people talk about ALL THE TIME. Sometimes I hear this word so often that it makes me cringe. Authenticity this and authentic that…blah blah blah. I sometimes wonder if the people going on and on about being authentic are even speaking or writing in a way that feels true to THEM.
I don’t spend much time thinking about being authentic. To me, it’s just something that I do. I live it. Every day I wake up and I just move about my day, while being Megan. I try not to over-think, I don’t constantly question my every thought or move. In fact, I’m known to speak without thinking, to hit the nail on the head even if it hurts, and to say the things that others are thinking but won’t say out loud. I put my foot in my mouth so much that I’ve stopped wearing toe nail polish because I can’t stand the taste.
I’m also the kind of person that will say that truth that you needed to hear and then listen while you work through it. I will crack jokes that actually make people laugh to break the silence of an awkward moment. I am fiercely loyal to those I love and I don’t even need to think about it- this stuff all comes so naturally to me.
See?? I swear, people think I’m funny!
There is so much power in knowing who you are and what makes you tick. I know what situations I need to avoid for my own well-being and I know when I can push myself out of my comfort zone when I need to grow.
Listening to the real me has helped keep out all the other voices in my head. You know the ones I mean- the naysayers, the ones you imagine exist when someone looks at you and when whispers to a friend, the voices that tell you that maybe you just aren’t as awesome as you thought you were when you left the house this morning.
My real voice, my AUTHENTIC voice, tells me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. It tells me that I am capable and amazing and that simply being me is the most important thing I can do each day to move closer to my goals.
How about you? What makes you feel confident and amazing?
