How Do You Embrace Your Authentic Self?

I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine. ~ Bruce Lee

Please allow me to begin this segment with a simple equation.

The Gift + The Curse = Expectations.

On one hand, expectations are great. We expect to be valued for our hard work, we expect people to keep their word and promises, and we expect to be treated with dignity and respect. That’s the gift. On the other hand, expectations can be a curse. When someone fails to meet our expectations, it can often make us upset. Unrealistic expectations can also be placed within our relationships that may hinder its growth or enable us from becoming our true authentic selves.

So why isn’t the explanation adding up?

Simple.

You must subtract expectations from the equation!

How do you embrace your authentic self, even if it looks different from what others expect? Unfortunately, we can often live in the shadows of someone else’s expectations. Did your dad want you to pursue a different career or choose a certain major in college? Or, did you follow in your mother’s footsteps because it was family tradition? You wanted to try that different hair color, but your boo just insisted that the other color was more fit for you. Perhaps they meant well. Those that care for us normally want the best for us. We can respect input from another, but be careful. The weight of their input against your internal compass can become a very slippery slope.

No matter how financially fit you may be. You will never be able to afford to live outside of your authentic self. It’s just too damn expensive. The cost of not being true to yourself in order to validate someone else expectations will leave you bankrupt; Mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Your internally happiness is an investment that will always yield a high return if you put place it in the proper stock: YOU!

Here are a few ways you can serve as your own stockbroker and invest in a personal portfolio that is sure to yield authentic returns:

· Stop caring about what other people think. What anyone else thinks about you is none of your business! Try not to be concerned with anyone else’s opinions about your decisions, especially if they were unsolicited. Be confident that you are making choices that are in your best interest and truly make you happy. Gain clarity about what you want, and why you want it. Others may not agree, or better yet understand, and that’s ok! Try not to overly explain your decisions as this may lead to circular conversations with the intention of you doubting your choices. Move forward. You got this!

· Value yourself. In other words. OWN IT! I have never been a girly girl. I never will be. I own being a Tomboy, unapologetically! Be grateful for your idiosyncrasies. There is only one you and the world wouldn’t be the same without you! You have value. Comparing yourself to anyone else decreases the significance that has been allotted to you. You are the BOMB- dot org, net, and com!

· More Credits. Less Debits. Surround yourself with people who support your personal investment. Those that accept you, for you, will applaud your growth even if it is different from their own. Smart investors know how to watch the market and modify accordingly. They know when to buy in, and when to cash out. As your own personal investor, your energy is your investment! Know when to remove yourself from situations or people who take away from who you are. They are debits. Just because you initially placed your energy in one area doesn’t mean it should stay there. Trust your gut and know when to adjust.

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Now we are done

I will give it a rest

Besides, I think Dr. Seuss said it best

But wait, not so fast

Don’t you dare jet

Before we depart you must first take a test

I told you already, that you are ALL THAT

Before you can add, you must learn to subtract

Less Debit. More Credit

Who cares what they think

Your decisions are worthy

Don’t you even blink

Your value is valid

100 percent

Even if the stock market does take a hit

Please stick to this equation

It will always be true…

Authentic Self – Expectations = YOU!

#andthatstheanomaly