Dear Lidi,
Discovering the truest parts of yourself is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever do. Those whispers of who you really are will terrify you, entice you, enrage you, and free you.
It takes strength to listen to those whispers.
The amazing thing about it, though, is you will become stronger as you exert the strength to listen.
Your strength comes in your authenticity.
I know you’re scared. I know you’re scared of who you are and what your soul is telling you.
It’s ok to be scared.
It’s ok to feel overwhelmed and confused.
It’s ok to wonder if what you’re feeling is truth – your truth.
I also know that the moment you give yourself permission to listen, you will experience strength and power like you’ve never dreamed.
It takes practice to listen to yourself, to be authentic to who you really are.
And it won’t be easy.
You’ll discover love you’ve felt may be conditional.
I hope you never experience this, but I have to warn you – I have to tell you…
Folks who said they would love you unconditionally might panic. They might feel confused. They might not know how to interact with the truest version of you.
This is the important part: IT IS NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP THEM THROUGH THIS.
It is never your responsibility to convince someone their love should be unconditional.
It is never your responsibility to avoid your truth to appease others.
And above all else, it is never your responsibility to hide who you are to make others comfortable.
Do not outsource your decision-making. Do not give others permission to tell you who you are.
Listen to yourself. Listen to your soul. Listen to what your soul craves and yearns for and is curious about.
The path of authenticity is never an easy one. Just like boundaries, when you make space for your true self, others will be fearful. They’ll be intimidated. They may even be jealous of your strength and courage.
None of that is your responsibility.
When we listen to ourselves, living in the strength of authenticity, we discover ways to build the world around us. We’re unafraid of who we are, which allows us to see others for who they are.
We stop “othering” when we allow ourselves to be free.
We see people as their authentic selves, too.
You see it in others. I see it in you.
The greatest wish of my heart is that you will be courageous, that you will be brave. That you will have the strength to live authentically.
You don’t get to choose the actions of others. But as you embrace your truest self, you’ll be free to show strength, compassion, love, and consideration to so many others.
You’ll inspire others with your strength.
You’ll change the world.
But first, you must be brave enough to listen to yourself.
Your strength in authenticity is powerful. Don’t be afraid of that power. It is full of goodness and love.
And those of us who have lived through our own discoveries are here to lift you and offer you our strength when you feel like you have none.
We’re here with you in your strength. The strength of all of us is here to support you.
Don’t be afraid. Be courageous. Be strong.
You are strong. You are stronger than you ever imagined possible.
Trust your strength. Trust your inner voice.
And remember to breathe.