How much of yourself do you close off, edit, or reframe to make other people feel more comfortable? How important is the approval, validation, and acceptance of others?
Do you even know who you are deep down?
If you don't truly know yourself enough to know when you're being authentic and when you're not, or you don't feel safe or comfortable fully expressing yourself, you probably have some inner work to do with self-acceptance.
Being authentically you means you're the same person regardless of who you're with or where you are, and your values, priorities, and dreams remain constant.
It means you don't edit yourself to be a version of yourself that others find tolerable.
So, HOW do you accept yourself for who you really are? How do you show up in your life authentically without apology, especially when it feels very unsafe to do so?
In this week's episode, we're talking about external identifiers and how they can lead to judgment and serious pressure to conform or fit in. We discuss how these external identifiers have created a culture that is unsafe for personal expression, UNLESS...
You're willing to be brave and be yourself, no matter what.
PS: We have a group coaching session on this topic coming soon. If knowing who you are and/or being authentic is something you struggle with, this is for you! Stay tuned for more details.
[00:54] How self-acceptance is affected by external influences, like the societal standards portrayed in social media.
[02:38] Societal standards sabotage your joy if you buy into them.
[03:10] We filter and edit ourselves to be "okay" in Western society.
[04:20] Janelle talks about how she doesn't fit into societal standards and how it would affect her ability to be authentic if she fell prey to the pressure to conform.
[05:25] Even when you do all the things to conform or fit in, some people still won't like you, making the abandonment of your authentic self pointless.
[07:00] Ron talks about the concept of gender identity as a search for who you are.
[09:00] Gender, race, cultural affiliations, and religion are all external identifiers, but they do not define who you are on the inside. Only you can do that.
[10:45] What if you are oppressed, harassed, or bullied for being your authentic self? What if your freedoms are affected and prevent you from openly being who you are?
[12:50] Janelle and Ron discuss boundaries: how they work for you and against you.
[13:40] Janelle shares her journey toward self-acceptance during Covid.
[15:25] Without being defensive or antagonistic, you determine how you feel most yourself -and honor it, because no one else will before you do.
[16:00] Ron acknowledges the impact of a mother who believed in, supported, and encouraged him for who he was.
[16:40] If you show up as yourself, other people will adjust.
[17:15] As you embrace your authentic self, you'll realize that nobody cares.
What You Think of Me is None of My Business by Terry Cole-Whittaker
What did you think of this shorter episode? Let us know on Spotify by clicking reply in the Q&A section for this episode, or visit The Change Evolutionist on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to share your thoughts!
Leave a Comment or Start a Discussion on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or in The Change Evolutionist Community
Are you just itching to weigh in on the topic we're discussing? Maybe we've said something that has triggered you, or you feel there's a perspective we're missing. Maybe you agree a thousand percent, and you have your own story. Don't sit silent on the sidelines! Let your voice be heard! You can now record your question through PodInbox. Set up an account and record! Your question, your comment, your feedback, and our response to it will be featured in a future episode. It's that easy!
Get notification to your inbox when a new episode is released. Download to your device or listen on Spotify, Apple, or Google podcasts.
