authenticity

Freedom in Being Yourself

emilydownward

I recently asked the question, “Why am I having so much physical pain? (And, what can I do to not have so much?)” in a guided meditation. The message I got was clear and emphatic: Stop trying to be something you’re not!

On some levels, I’ve never been as congruent as I am now. I think back to when I was in a job I really didn’t like, knowing it absolutely wasn’t the right job for me but partially seduced by the financial benefits and partially just overwhelmed into inaction by the indecision of what else to do. Now, I choose what projects and clients I get to work on. It’s been such a relief and feels so freeing to do the work that I am best at, and refuse projects that do not fit what I do best.

So where am I still not being fully who I am designed to be? That’s the question I’m still pondering for myself, in meditation and journaling. I know there is relief in letting go of trying to be something I’m not, and freedom and self-acceptance in being who I am. I have a hunch my focus in coaching is shifting. My coaching practice for the past three years has focused on coaching people on work, helping them find more joy, passion and success in what they do. I love it, and yet lately, more people are coming to me looking for something bigger than work, and the coaching is going into more big picture purpose and spiritual connections. It’s extremely fun and interesting, and I feel very much of a fellow traveler on this journey with my clients, perhaps leading them from just a step or two ahead on the path. I don’t know where it’s going yet, but I am totally in for the ride.

Where are you trying to be something you’re not? What steps can you take to be more authentically You?

'Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.'
Me in 1979. I marvel at the 7-year-old me who is so confident and sure of who she is.

Authenticity

emilydownward

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

~Dr. Seuss

Yesterday, along with several thousand other people here in Austin, I had the privilege of seeing and hearing some amazing speakers at the Get Motivated! conference. The line-up included Colin Powell, Rudy Giuliani, Stanley McChrystal, and Southwest Airlines CEO Howard Putnam (among others). But my absolute favorites were Mary Lou Retton and Bill Cosby.

Mary Lou Retton spoke about her journey to the Olympics and the improbability of her winning the gold medal. (Just six weeks before her Olympic competition, she had knee surgery!) Her message was “don’t let anyone tell you that you CAN’T,” and her incredible energy was infectious. She mesmerized the audience.

Bill Cosby spoke just after Mary Lou and was obviously the favorite of many. He was hilarious, of course, but he also touched on spirituality. He had several great quips, using the lyrical genius of James Brown as his talking points, including “Get up!” and “Do it!” — each of which he would punctuate by imitating James Brown’s “Hah!”

But reflecting back on the day, I think what made these two the most enjoyable to me was that they were authentic about who they are. Neither one tried to be something else or give a message that wasn’t true to their experience. It was a great example (and lesson) to just show up, be yourself and let your light shine. Definitely very motivating.