Permission to Be Real: Allowing your true self to be seen in a world of perfectionism

In today's world, we are often pressured to conform to certain societal or cultural norms and expectations. We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us how we should dress, act, and even think. Keeping up with these expectations can be overwhelming and exhausting, and make us lose sight of who we truly are. It's important to remember that only you can give you permission to be yourself, and it's okay to embrace the real you. 

Being yourself means being authentic and true to your values, beliefs, and personality. It means acknowledging and celebrating your strengths, being open to your own blind spots and accepting yourself for who you are - right where you are. It's not always easy to be yourself, especially when there is a real possibility that you'll be faced with criticism or judgment from others. But staying true to yourself is essential for living a fulfilling and satisfying life.

One of the biggest obstacles to being yourself is the fear of rejection. We often worry that if we show our true selves, we will be rejected or criticized by others. When you try to be someone you're not, you are more likely to face rejection because people can sense when you are being inauthentic. On the other hand, when you are true to yourself, you attract people who appreciate and accept you for who you are.

Another obstacle to being yourself is the pressure to fit in. We all want to belong and feel accepted, but this doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your individuality or your core values to fit in. In fact, being unique and different can be a source of strength and can make you stand out in a positive way. Take for instance my name. Bernice is a unique and beautiful name. It is my late mother's name. I didn't like it growing up. I wanted to have a more popular name. Now I really appreciate the uniqueness of it.

So, how can you give yourself permission to be yourself? Here are a few tips:

1. Identify your values and beliefs: Work with someone to help you unearth what's important to you and why. Getting this kind of clarity will help you to prioritize your life and make decisions that align better with your values.

2. Embrace your strengths and blindspots: Accepting yourself for who you are, including your strengths and blindspots, can help you build confidence and self-esteem.

3. Surround yourself with supportive people: Surrounding yourself with people who appreciate and accept you for who you are and will infuse you with love and lift you up can help you feel more comfortable being yourself.

4. Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.

5. Challenge negative self-talk: This is something you'll need to make a daily practice. Negative self-talk can be act as a road block to being yourself and living the life you want to. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations

Remember, you have permission to be yourself, flaws and all. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and real, we open ourselves up to deeper connections and experiences. So go ahead, be yourself unapologetically and watch as the world opens up to you in ways you never thought possible.