Are you presenting a mask to the world?

We live in a society that is so wrapped up in taking selfies, snapchatting 10 second video clips of our lives to either impress or express what image we want the world to have of us.  When was the last time, if any did you show the real you being you? I’m not just talking about social media.
 
If you are looking for self-approval, the only place you should be looking is within.  When you can approve of yourself, there is no need to be yearning and craving it all the time from others. If you invest more time asking yourself direct questions to discover what your needs are, how you want to be in this world without any input from anyone else, you will know and love yourself more. And in turn, have more love to give others. I’m not saying don’t accept social approval, I’m saying don’t rely on it.
 
When you are trying to impress others and seeking out approval, you are telling yourself, you are not good enough, you are less than, and unacceptable as you are.  Is it impossible to be loved for just being you without having to have the fast car, the nice house, the titles, the beautiful body, nice clothes etc? Of course not, but it has to begin with you, loving you first.
 
So who are you really under the façade? Have you asked yourself that question lately? Probably not. It’s exhausting hiding yourself from the world, not showing off your authentic self? I know, I was there and it’s not fun.  We are all unique. There is no one else like you on the planet. By not being your authentic self, you are robbing us all of your valuable qualities, your love, your core value.
 
Important questions that you need to ask yourself:
 

• Do I reserve offering my opinion in meetings/with friends until I know what everyone else thinks first?
• Am I comfortable with showing off my own fashion style or do I fear what other’s will say?
• Do I hide my true feelings for fear of being judged or seen as weak?
• Am I constantly judging myself negatively in images of myself – photo’s, video, mirror?

 
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then your lacking in self-worth and self-approval. If you don’t invest time in you, disappointment, fear and frustration will rule your thoughts about where you belong and who you are.
 
Everyone deserves self-love, self acceptance just as we are. In control of how you wish to look, feel and be in society. I promise you, when you invest time in you, you will not only be happier, you will bring similar people into your life because you match their vibrational energy.
 

1. What is stopping you from being your authentic self?
2. Are you giving your power away to others and allowing them to decide who you are?
3. Why are other’s opinion more relevant/important than yours? Who says so?
4. Are old limiting beliefs getting in the way? – “children should be seen and not heard”

 
Don’t allow fear, lack of self-worth pull you down. We all make mistakes, fail sometimes. Which one of us is perfect? None of us are. If you get knocked down by failing or receiving a criticism, it’s just a life lesson, get back up, brush it off. Maybe the universe has something better in store for you. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” - C.G. Jung

Suggestions:
 

• Remind yourself daily, of all the things you are grateful for.
• List all the things you did that made a difference each day no matter how small it was.
• Write down in a journal a new habit, a new affirmation, a new challenge you did each day. Create this practice and it will open new neural pathways in your brain.
• Consciously make an effort to cut out the words “I can’t” “I should” “I wish” and change them to “I won’t”, “I can” and “I will”. They are more truthful and uplifting. Saying you can’t is really saying you won’t.
• Reward yourself for making changes that express your authentic self. It doesn’t have to cost money – a bubble bath, a new outfit that you pick yourself, lunch date with a friend.

 
Your sub-conscious mind is where all your habits are stored, developed through experiences over your life. I have written a number of blogs regarding bad-habits, and just like not being authentic, these bad habits live in us – create sustaining negative thoughts. As you become more authentic, true to who you really are, this will change your “habits file” in your sub-conscious. Attaching rewards to your efforts helps to reinforce these new changes in your subconscious. What you will begin to see is that your immediate reactions will become more positive, reinforcing to you, thus creating new thoughts and behaviours that empower you, build you up.
 
You are amazing, wake up every day and look at yourself in the mirror, smile and tell yourself that! Your opinion of you matters most!

If you would like help in applying this to your life, personal or business - please click here to book in a complimentary call with me Schedule-A-Call