by Wendy S. Cruz
Living authentically should be natural and easy. However, unfortunately for many of us, being authentic is one of the most complicated tasks to accomplish. We were conditioned throughout childhood to worry about what others may think of our actions. This created an impairment that keeps us from living authentic, happy lives. The challenge then is to liberate ourselves from this feeling that we are being judged by others.
Many of us also grew up in homes where we were taught to stay quiet, to receive with uneasiness, to not be better than the next person so openly. We were taught not to be ourselves but instead to let's say, live in a bubble where we could be seen but where we had to be so careful not to let it pop or everyone would take notice of what we did. I remember hearing the adults in my family say often, 'What's everyone going to say?' or 'You are making me look bad!' and for many years, I worried about doing that.
Eventually, I found myself in my bubble and it kept popping and getting thinner and smaller every time. With each pop went my power, my self-confidence, my audacity as that was when I could hear the critique and opinions of others. Until that blessed day when I almost gave up, but instead the heroin in me woke up and set me free from everyone. This was the best decision I could have made for myself.
So, I ask you, 'If you could really be you, who would you be? For years, I had these images in my mind of me wearing beautiful dresses and high-heels and twirling freely. But every time I thought of that beautiful girl, instead of getting happy, I would start crying. I thought it was impossible for me to ever be her. It wasn't, I was just scared that others would think I was crazy. I have since learned that, what others think, is actually 'not my business.' That's right, every single person in this world has a perspective and it is personal, their own and not anyone else's business. So instead of being scared about being you, how about you get excited and make a decision to step into that person in your vision of you? Bring her to your reality, set her free, she deserves it!
And, 'What if being you was the best gift for the world?’ It was not until my Mom died eight years ago, that I decided it was time for me and that I was going to do something great for myself. I didn't know what, but one morning I woke up ready to move to the sunshine state as I had always dreamed. What followed was magical, as doors began opening for me left and right. My adult daughters joined me on the move, I got to publish my first book and then others, I became a public speaker and a mentor for women, I have a radio show on-line and here I am writing in a magazine, all things I would have never imagined doing. It's like I'm lost in a spiral of opportunities that keeps getting bigger and better and has no return. I have created a life that I love, because I chose and let myself be 'Me' for the first time ever.
Now imagine this, 'How would your life be if you didn't feel bad about being you, ever again?’
Connect with Wendy
FB: @Wendy S. Cruz
IG: @wendytacruz
TikTok: @wendyta66
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