It’s Effortless When You’re Being Your Authentic Self.

Feel the freedom of being you

Recently, I took a stance. I also wrote a personal affirmation. I put rhythm to the words and came up with the perfect song.

“I don’t care a S**t what you think about me”.

It’s that music, ringing in my ear. It keeps my thoughts focused — Just being me.

We are humans. We crave the need for social acceptance.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs refers to it as — The Human Psychological needs — Esteem, Belongingness & love needs. It ranks in the middle of the known 5 tier triangular diagram.

Now, let’s be honest. You’re just as guilty as I am. We often get caught up in peoples’ perceptions.

There’s this constant pressure we feel, to live by other's expectations. Soon we lose who we are, to become people pleasers.

Here are the signs, that led me to draw the line, and take the appropriate actions to free myself from the influences of others. Now, I’m just being me.

“How about you? Are you ready for some soul-searching intervention?”

You see it on social media every day. A dozen selfies, each scrutinized to the finest details. The pressure to match up, compete, and be included. “That post better go viral”.

“Is that you — yearning for others’ acceptance?”

You chose a profession you don’t even like. You succumb to the pressure of parents, friends, and societal influence. You deny yourself the freedom that comes with pursuing the career you know to be right.

Do you ever stop to think? “Where do I fit in?”

You feel controlled. Stiffened by your voice within. You kept silent, out of fear, you may hurt someone’s feelings.

“Are you hurting inside?”

And how about that obsession you have — always thinking what others will say or think about you? The outfit you choose. The way you wear your hair. The car you drive. Where you choose to live?

“Is that a true reflection of you?”

You would be surprised, most times it is only in your mind. People are often too busy with their own problems to give one damn about yours.

“So, Hell! What if they even do?”

“Are you going to allow that to stop you, from being you?”

The truth is, nothing is wrong with wanting to feel accepted and belong.

Neither am I saying it’s wrong. But constantly putting pressure on yourself is an indication that you are not authentic or being true to yourself.

Here are the three simple steps, I’ve taken to reclaim who I am. Feel free to try them. They could help you through a workable plan.

1.Be truthful to yourself — Admit and accept the pressure you feel. Denial is never the option. For you to grow, you, need to recognize and own up to what you feel and know. This may take some soul searching and reflection. I went through this myself. It was a wake-up call for me.

2.Know when it’s time to draw the line — Come up with a workable plan. For you to succeed at anything, You must have a plan on how to proceed.

I created an affirmation. It’s something to encourage me and keep me on track, to be me.

3. Commit to your plan of action — Commit to what you set out to do. It’s the only way you will achieve your goal.

I turn my affirmation into a song. This way, I’m reminded never to divert from my plan.

The greatest thing about all of this, You’ll experience effortlessness when you're being yourself.