—
I’ve been subconsciously aware of a particular pattern with my writing for a long time now, but I’ve only recently started paying deliberate attention to it. The pattern is that I only write when I’m in an “over-the-top” good mood. Truth be told, “Good Mood” is where I usually am, but when I’m in a really good mood, I’m a lot more creative, which means that I’m also more likely to write.
When I started examining my writing pattern, I noticed another pattern within it. The times I didn’t write were the times when I subtly entertained a belief that I had nothing to say.
I thought that the only time I could write a reflection was when I had something profound to share. Then, when I looked back at some of my more popular posts, I saw that they were the ones where I was the most vulnerable. I didn’t see my thoughts or insights as being all that profound, but they somehow resonated with many, many people.
That’s when I started to see that when I’m Appio, not Appio the podcast co-host, not Appio the trainer, not Appio the public speaker, just plain ol’ Appio, I share more authentically and I write more prolifically.
I’m happiest when I’m baring my soul, being human, and inviting people into my experiences. Those who wish to join me will, and those who aren’t ready won’t. All I know is that everyone who crosses my path does so at the right time, and in a way that positively impacts both of us.
Ever since I stopped hiding and worrying about what others thought of me or the path I felt inspired to take, my life has blossomed in ways I never imagined. My relationships with immediate and extended family are stronger than before, and amazing people have supported me in ways that have left me humbled and awestruck. I’m more blessed than I’ve ever been. Best of all, I continue to step further into my personal joy.
My thought this week is consequently quite simple: Just be you.
When you allow the genuine, authentic you to step forward and simply BE, you find the very acceptance, understanding, and joy you’ve been looking for. You’ll discover that they’ve been with you all along. The only thing keeping you from experiencing the best life you can is your acceptance of yourself.
Once you let go of the illusions that feed your fears and the judgment that others have thrown upon you, you can claim what has always been yours: Connection, authenticity, understanding, acceptance, a joyous life.
Will some people reject the authentic you?
Perhaps. But if they do, know that their rejection is more about them than it is about you. The rejection is their way of saying that in their minds, they can only be happy as long as you behave the way they want you to behave. They’re telling you that they see you as being responsible for their happiness. Their message is that they feel powerless and helpless and that it is somehow your responsibility to make things right.
I find myself repeating the first Tenet of Living quote often.
You are not responsible for anyone else’s “good feelings” but your own.
As you take responsibility for yourself and make decisions that are best for you, you may end up sharing your experiences with a few people or with millions—but if all you do is live a life that satisfies you, then that is enough. When each of us expresses ourselves in our unique way, without worrying about what others think, we will collectively create the very world we want to live in.
If, as you choose to be you, people walk out of your life (including family), it is important to know two things: First, as painful as the experience may appear to be, they are clearing your path and giving you the freedom to express and experience your life your way. Second, the shock of that departure is only temporary. Your life will quickly be filled with those who genuinely support you and your vision for yourself.
It is okay to experience the fear of rejection, and as you feel that fear, do your best to release it. Turn your attention instead to what you want to experience. The universe itself will become your willing, enthusiastic collaborator and help you do everything you want.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it,
Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
Wise words, and something I have personally experienced.
My suggestion: Make the decision to just be you—the version of yourself you want to be—and watch what happens.
—
A version of this post was originally published on AppioHunter.com and is republished here with permission from the author.
—
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join like-minded individuals in The Good Men Project Premium Community.
◊♦◊
◊♦◊
Get the best stories from The Good Men Project delivered straight to your inbox, here.
◊♦◊
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
♦◊♦
We have pioneered the largest worldwide conversation about what it means to be a good man in the 21st century. Your support of our work is inspiring and invaluable.
—
Photo credit: Getty Images
—