Feature Article: Unapologetically YOU

Connect and Grow Magazine: Edition 13 September - October 2024

Imagine living authentically every minute of your life and being entirely accepted as you are.

How would that change your life?

Would it make a difference?

How would it make you feel?

When we are unapologetically ourselves, gazing into the mirror and genuinely loving the person looking back at us, we experience a surge of confidence, one of the most liberating feelings.

Some individuals already do this. They exude a certain level of comfort in their own skin, unconcerned about others' opinions. They dress in clothes they adore, savour their favourite foods, and behave in ways that feel right to them.

.I've had the pleasure of meeting several people like this, and they've shared how genuinely content they are. They treat others with respect and embody the belief that each of us is unique, and that's wonderful.

Some people already do this; they feel comfortable in who they are, are not worried about what others think and say about them, wear the clothes they choose and love, eat the foods they enjoy, and behave in a way they are comfortable with.

Is there anything holding you back from being Uniquely You?

What, if anything, would you change?

I encourage you to take a few minutes to think about that; if now is not the right time for you to do it, maybe set aside some time for you to come back to these questions and answer them, be completely open and honest to exploring your answers and then if there is something you would like to change, why not take the next step to either going ahead and making that change or getting support and guidance from someone that you know can help you, work with you.

One of the most beautiful things about being who we are as often as possible is that we can put all our energy into each moment and enjoy it without worry. Imagine not having to mask or behave in a certain way that takes all your energy. How much more relaxed you would feel. This would be amazing.

When we wear masks to fit in, do you know, those moments when you may choose to talk less or talk more to be social or accepted at the event leave you exhausted? It feels like it was such a tough time and situation, and it can be that after a while, you don't want to go to those events, be around certain people, or even work a situation.

The key is knowing when you have had enough and when it is time to move on from situations, people, or workplaces where you cannot be true to yourself.

You laugh more and have a lot more fun when you are YOU. After all, who else can you really be?

Have you ever noticed that you lose a part of yourself when you do not feel like you can be yourself or constantly act a certain way? You are so used to changing and putting on a mask that you forget aspects of your life that are important to you and what you love; in some cases, you have given them up to keep others happy. Sometimes, we must put others first; this is respect, and there are professional boundaries and expectations in the workplace. However, what we do 90% of the time impacts our overall health and well-being, including our mental well-being. Stress is a significant contributor to people becoming unwell physically, mentally and emotionally.

I encourage you to take the time to notice how you feel most of the time, especially when you feel stressed and then the times when you are the happiest.

What are you doing?

Who are you spending time with?

Is it a balanced energy exchange?

If you notice that you are not always happy, feel drained, or sacrifice your happiness for others, it could be a sign that it is time to make a change. While this can be a challenge, it is also very worth it.

You are worthy of the very best, and you are unique; you do deserve to be able to live a life where you can say I am "Unapologetically me"

Written by Jacqui Grant

www.breakfreeconsultancy.com

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