On My Mind: Just Be the Real You

I am just striving to be more me that I have ever been.

Living in a time when there is so much noise, how do we know what’s real and what’s trash?

Often I wish that the noise would go away. That everything would just be quiet. Between commercials, debates, news shows, Keeping Up With the Kardashians, what Kanye said last, who’s on the front row during Fashion Week, the important news from Inside Edition, and tons of dialogue on social media screaming – LOOK AT ME!!!… how can we even think?

But then, I think of all of the things I really want to tune into – thought-provoking interviews and conversations, good television shows, good books, great blogs, inspiration and spiritual guidance, and the “stuff” on social media that truly informs me or just makes me laugh out loud.

For years, I have encouraged women to use their voices – to speak up and to make a difference. To ask for help when they need it. To say NO when they need to and YES when it makes sense. To be part of the solution instead of the problem.

I’m thrilled when I see this happening – when I know I am witnessing the Real Deal and an authentic person. They don’t have to shout. They don’t have to be in my face constantly. They don’t have a need for you or me to see how important they are. They are just themselves and they are sharing from their heart and soul. And, I know it. Bet you do, too. What a gift.

Being authentic is not easy work. It’s something that takes practice and commitment. Author, speaker and researcher, Brene Brown describes it this way:

“Authenticity is not something we have or don’t have. It’s a practice – a conscious choice of how we want to live. Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choices to let our true selves be seen.”

So, let’s make a vow to be authentic. To make that conscious choice on a daily basis. To talk about what’s real.

And, where to start? I think this poem, Woman, talk, written by friend and business associate, Susan Bishop of Unlocked Box, for WomanTalk Live says it all:

Woman, talk.

Speak your passions and desires
out loud and loudly – all the time.
Like fire in your heart:
What you’ve never shared before, share now.

Talk about who you are.

Woman, talk.
Speak your regrets and despairs
without shame and apology – to anyone.
Like fire in a forest:
What you could not put out, put out now.

Talk about what you’ve overcome.

Woman, talk.
Speak your dreams and visions
intensely, ferociously – without shrinking.
Like a fiery desert mirage;
What you let burn, let burn brighter now.

Talk about where you’re going.

Woman, talk.
Speak your mind and truth
with boldness and courage – no matter what.
Like fire yet to blaze.
What you want to start, start now.

Talk about who you are becoming.

You ready? I am.

Let me know your thoughts on “being real.”

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Artwork: Anything is Possible, by Melissa Harris