I tried to be someone else and it felt horrible

I bid farewell to 2023, sharing with you the best thing I gained this year, upon a year dedicated to personal growth.

Have you ever felt a sense of missing yourself? It might sound like an unusual question, but as we navigate through life, we often find ourselves stepping into new roles. Whether it's transitioning from childhood to independent adulthood, moving from high school to college, experiencing the shift from single to in a relationship, or undergoing transformations like marriage, divorce, or becoming a parent or grandparent — each phase demands a different version of us, doesn't it?

This is where things can go astray, and it's a path I personally found myself on. Instead of consciously adopting the changes, I realized I had been merely adapting, leaving bits of my true self behind along the way. Life's journey involves shedding layers, but it's essential to ensure that beneath it all, we remain connected to our authentic selves.

The distinction between adapting and adopting is crucial. Adapting suggests a response to external circumstances, while adopting implies a deliberate choice. It seems I may have lost touch with my genuine self by merely adapting to the expectations and demands of each life stage.

To remind myself of whom I truly am at my core, I’ve had this picture of myself as a small kid as my phone screen photo for a while now.

Occasionally, people question why I have that particular photo on my phone screen. The answer is simple: just look at her. She represents the epitome of my best self – untamed, independent, confident, joyful, vulnerable, playful, loyal, passionate, intelligent, and kind. Can you recall who you were at the age of 6? Can you vividly describe that younger version of yourself? And more importantly, as you reflect on your journey, do you find remnants of that childlike authenticity in your current self, or have you adapted in ways that might have obscured those vibrant qualities along the way?

Do miss you?

I tried to be someone else and it felt horrible.

So the best thing I gained this year, was well, me :)

I cherish where I am in my life right now. By discarding the fear of judgment, I've reclaimed my vulnerability and confidence. Letting go of the weight of responsibilities has brought back the carefree, playful, and untamed aspects of myself. I relinquished a scarcity mindset I never truly had, reigniting my passion. Shedding the need for external validation has restored my independence.

I feel alive, connected and ready to show up as my best version for y’all but most important for myself and that is a great freaking feeling, the best!

Tomorrow, on 1/1/2024 there will be an inevitable desire for everyone to put their best foot forward. My wish for anyone reading this is that in the coming year, you draw closer to your authentic self and embrace 2024 in a way that aligns with your true nature.

The world needs us to show up as we were meant to. 💫

Happy New Year!

With Love,

S~