Listen to Our Inner Voices
I want to share a deeply personal experience that profoundly shaped my journey towards authenticity and self-acceptance.
In 2019, I found myself in a seemingly perfect situation:
I had a house, a family, a stable job, and love surrounding me. Yet, amid all this, I couldn't stop crying.
During my forty-minute drives to work, tears streamed down my face, and I had no idea why. Physically, I was healthy; my family was well; I had money in the bank and friends by my side. Yet my body was sending me an unmistakable message: something was unresolved.
Whenever I opened up about my struggles to loved ones, I was met with the reminder of how lucky I was. “People only wish they could have your life,” they would say. Each time I mentioned feeling sad, I felt an overwhelming wave of guilt wash over me. It was as if I were being ungrateful for having “everything.”
This constant comparison left me feeling ashamed and embarrassed about my sadness. For the first time, I truly empathized with those who felt trapped in a facade of greatness while their real lives felt out of sync.
This is a sign: our bodies are constantly communicating with us.
When we are not living authentically—when our lives do not align with our true desires—it creates internal confusion.
Our minds seek order and coherence, and when our external reality doesn't match our internal truth, it manifests as discomfort, sadness, and a sense of being lost.
It's crucial to understand that these feelings are valid and deserve our attention.
Our emotions are not just passing clouds; they are signals guiding us toward a more authentic self. Ignoring them only leads to deeper disconnection and unhappiness.
When we silence our inner voices, we risk losing touch with who we truly are and what we genuinely desire.
That same year, while folding laundry with my mom, she said, “I never worry about you because you have it all figured it out.” I mustered the courage and shared my truth. “I don't. I'm crumbling and I need help.”
To my surprise, my vulnerability opened a door for her as well. She admitted, “I too wished my mom worried about me. I always looked stronger than I really was. Next time you're hurting, I want you to tell me. If I act as if you have it together, you need to remind me that you don't and that you need me. I want to be there for you. I'm your mom and I love you. You can always count on me.”
Let this be a reminder: do not be afraid to ask for help. It's okay to let others know when you need support, even if they believe you have it all together.
We all face challenges, and recognizing that you deserve care and understanding is a crucial step in your journey toward authenticity.
