Living Your Truth: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Yesterday, I was reminded of something powerful. I’m participating in a book study with some incredible women, and we delved into the topic of living your truth and becoming the person you were born to be—your birthright.
The Labels Society Places on Us
One of the book's chapters, from Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer, discusses how a child’s personality is so evident from infancy. Parents and grandparents often predict futures based on early behavior: “They’re always building with Legos—maybe they’ll be an architect!” We tend to label children’s interests or behaviors, imposing societal expectations on them, sometimes before they have found their passions.
Growing Beyond the Roles We've Been Assigned
As we grow, society continues to shape us—through family, school, and cultural norms—telling us what we "should" be. It even goes as far as gender roles: “You’re a girl, so you should do this.” Thankfully, these rigid ideas are starting to break down, allowing us to reclaim our personal power and discover who we truly are.
But there's a deeper layer to this. As we grow, our ego starts to take over. It says, “You’re too loud,” or “You should be a math teacher because you’re good at math.” And so, we follow the paths others have laid out for us, forgetting the innate gifts God and the universe gave us.
The Moment of Realization: A Disconnect Between Who You Are and Who You’ve Been
Eventually, many of us reach a point in life—perhaps in our late 20s, maybe even decades later—when we realize something feels off. There’s a disconnect between who we are and who we’ve been told to be. We wear masks, projecting what we think the world wants from us, but we start to question, “What really brings me joy? Who am I without these labels?”
Peeling Back the Layers: Discovering Your True Self
This moment of self-awareness is the beginning of a beautiful journey. As you start to peel away those layers, you might discover you’re not as shy as everyone said you were, or maybe you’re not the extrovert everyone assumes you are. Sometimes, we’ve been playing roles for so long that we’ve forgotten the truth underneath.
Protecting Your Journey: Keeping Your Discoveries Close
Here’s a crucial piece of advice: keep your discoveries close to your chest. It’s essential to know your audience. Not everyone is ready to hear that you’re exploring new facets of yourself. Sometimes, the people closest to us—our parents, siblings, best friends—are the ones who resist our change the most. They’re used to seeing us a certain way, and when we step out of that role, it can make them uncomfortable.
That’s why creating a community where you feel safe to evolve is essential. Find people who support your growth and share in your journey. Develop a foundation of confidence, and when you’re ready, begin to step out and share your new self with the world.
Gain Your Footing Before You Spread Your Wings
This process takes time and patience, but the more you learn about yourself, the more confident you’ll become in communicating your wants, needs, and goals to those around you—especially those who may not be as receptive to your transformation.
The key takeaway? Gain your footing, build your confidence, and then spread your wings. Once you’ve laid the foundation, you’ll feel more comfortable shining your light and showing the world who you truly are. It’s not about playing a game or tricking anyone—it’s about self-preservation. You’re allowing yourself to grow authentically, without the noise of societal expectations drowning you out.
Your Homework: Find Three Supportive Connections
Here’s your homework: think of three people or communities you can connect with to explore who you want to become. Maybe it’s a friend who recommended a book that piqued your interest. Reach out and ask more questions. Perhaps someone you know has a hobby that fascinates you—get curious.
Discover the Power of The Learning Circle
If you’re looking for a community that supports personal growth, I invite you to join The Learning Circle. It’s an intimate, sacred space where we explore these topics and support one another on our journeys. You’ll receive personalized, individual guidance as you uncover who you’re meant to be. Be my guest for a month. Use the code FREETLC.
Let’s Explore This Journey Together
And if you can’t think of three people or groups to contact, know I’m here for you. Whether through one-on-one coaching, joining our community, or simply watching videos I’ve created intending to help you discover your true self, I’m ready to stand by your side. Start small, and let that kernel of truth grow into something beautiful. Let the grain of sand within you become the pearl of who you truly are.
Watch this blog on my YouTube Channel, Teachings & Tangents HERE.