ght (c) 2010 Paula Gregorowicz
I am a huge fan of Hay House Radio (hayhouseradio.com) and listen to some of my favorite teachers religiously. Recently Neale Donald Walsch was a guest host on Debbie Ford's show. He was talking with one caller about her desire to speak her truth. He said "freedom lies on the other side of authenticity". I was really struck with the statement because that so succinctly sums up how I feel and the philosophy behind the work I do.
At the heart of being comfortable in your own skin is truly getting to know who you are and then showing up authentically in your life; Living your truth through your thoughts, words, and actions. This is where true freedom lies. And the best news about this is that you have the ultimate control over whether you do that or not!
Freedom (and happiness for that matter) has nothing to do with where you live, how much money you have, what you do for a living, or who you choose to be in relationship with. Mindset and response are the key.
I can remember reading the book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl. I can't even remember why I had picked it up as it wasn't an assignment or recommendation or Oprah pick at the time. What I do remember so vividly is the main theme of the book. No one can ever take away your freedom to choose your thoughts and response. In what were some of the most horrid circumstances known to history, this man kept a positive attitude, harbored no bitterness, and lived to not only tell about it but thrive. I've often thought at different challenging moments in my life, for goodness sakes if he can do it, what do I need to shift in my thinking to stop my self-imposed suffering? Because truly most of the problems you and I face are first world problems. I heard Cheryl Richardson share this on a recent show (again Hay House Radio) and I thought, man that really once again puts things in perspective. Most of the crazy details and stressors in our lives are truly first world problems. With the exception of perhaps the homeless in this country, the rest of us spend a great deal of time imposing suffering on ourselves because of our perceptions of different life circumstances.
Do you yearn to feel lighter and freer? If so, here's the good news - you can feel that starting today. You don't need to wait for something to happen "out there" or a particular date. By starting the process of self-inquiry and discovering your authentic self you can start making choices that honor your authenticity. You need to start small - perhaps saying no to a social engagement you don't want to go to but in the past would attend out of "obligation" or taking 30-60 minutes each evening to do something just for you (read, bubble bath, engage in a hobby). But that is a monumental step. We build an authentic life one step at a time. Each time we choose to honor who we are and live our truth we get to experience the freedom that comes with it. You hold the key to your personal liberation!
Paula Gregorowicz, The Paula G Company, helps women gain confidence and feel comfortable in their own skin so they succeed on their own terms. Learn the "5 Steps to Turn Your Fear into Freedom & Experience Greater Confidence"
