When we’re inauthentic and hide who we are, it’s like living Groundhog’s Day. We go nowhere, yet are confused as to why everything looks the same. We use strategies to keep us “safe” instead of accepting who we are and surrendering to whatever results. When in resistance to who we truly are, we unknowingly involve others by creating versions of them in our head. It results in drama because we respond to our version of them instead of reality, placating them or pissing them off. It’s a total waste of energy, but most of us don’t even know we’re doing it.

Once you’re aware of how much you perform for others, look at it as an opportunity to stop the act and open up… authentically, vulnerably. This, of course, is scary and if you don’t truly want change, you’ll avoid it like the plague because it’s painful. But you will never feel better inside without moving out of that fearful place and owning YOU. When you fully accept yourself and all your crap, true freedom results. You become less needy and reliant on approval from others. Being yourself just FEELS good, and who doesn’t want that?

Authenticity has nothing to do with pleasing the rest of the world to get what you want. It is about confidently being who you are and living the fullest expression of that. Have you ever resented people who were unabashedly themselves because you secretly envied them? Look at where you are not fully showing up as you. Find the pain or the shame that holds you back. What is so horrible about yourself that makes you fear rejection? There is no fulfillment in any endeavor if you are not fully being who you are.