This is something most of us have trouble with. Dare. Dare saying “no, thank you“. Dare spending time alone. Dare go to all the places your heart feels called to explore (even if it means moving in a foreign country where you know no one).
I am sick of showing to the world versions of my Self that are untrue to my Essence. It is exhausting to be someone you know you are not, or not fully. So when your Soul says, loudly “no more bullshit. be true to you. stop hiding” you don’t have much choice than to obey the Inner Voice.
This is gradual in my life though. I got a tattoo at 16 (after two years of working it and talking about it all.the.time to my mom, who was against it. She went with me. And is still against all my tattoos), a nose piercing. Recently I finally got boxed braids with blue and purple. I now speak my Truths more easily.
In my creativity, it meant I needed to stop painting what I thought people would expect to see from me.
See, I am a pretty quirky and weird person once you know me. I am totally okay with it, but always afraid of being judged for it. My spirituality transpires in everything coming out of me. It is sometimes obvious, sometimes more subtle. Last year, when I began my 365 Nixies in 2016 project, I just let them come as they were; not judging the character, their features or their stories/messages. Most of them are odd but gosh, how I love them ! (psss: they are still looking for new homes).
Life taught me that it is way too short to walk its path in somebody else’s shoes. Mine sometimes feel too small, or too big, but they are mine nonetheless.
What are you doing to stay true to yourself ? It does not have to be big, like respecting your own boundaries for example. I celebrate all those steps you are taking to live the life you are meant to live.
It takes a lot of courage being your true self!
In searching to find my own style, I can relate to all you say.
This post speaks to me. To dare to bravely be your true self. So difficult for me, I am always afraid of offending someone. I said on your other post that I’m afraid to get a tattoo. (I hate/fear needles) I used to be afraid to dye my hair. I did it for the first time about 5 years ago. The next time I do it, it’s going to be a lavender/lilac. I forget what it’s called. I’m nervous because it is a color I’ve not done. Slowly overcoming fears one at a time.
Ah you are so brave. So so brave. Thank you.