When you are genuinely being your true self, you need no words of explanation. You just are.
-Laurie E. Smith
Don’t you just love this quote? You just are! I’ve been practicing staying true to myself a lot lately, but it isn’t always easy. It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of everyday life. Lost in parenthood. Lost in marriage. Lost in the different roles we all play in our lives on a daily basis.
It takes insight and awareness to break these patterns that many of us default to on a regular basis. It also takes a lot of strength to set boundaries and stay true to yourself both personally and professionally. But remember, being true to you is so worth it!
Here’s what’s to come in this blog: what losing yourself in parenthood may look like, ways to embrace your true, authentic self, and wrapping up with self-care ideas to help you stay true to yourself.
What losing yourself in parenthood may look like:
- Exhausting and feeling worn out
- Overwhelm- there’s too much to do and not enough time to do it all
- Wanting to escape from all the stressors in your life
- No time for self-care and taking care of you
- Feeling unsupported at home, at work, etc.
- Always giving to others and never to yourself
- Emotional disconnection from others
- High emotional reactivity and being argumentative with others
- Not feeling like your best self is showing up in your life
- Feeling like you come last on your own list- what would need to change to start putting yourself first?
- Forgetting who you were and what you enjoyed before parenthood
What else would you add to this list?
Ways to embrace your true, authentic self:
- Know your own truth
- Explain yourself if others don’t truly get what you’re saying
- Bring substance and all your quirks to your relationships
- Self-love and self-acceptance in the forefront of your mind
- Surround yourself with healthy people who make healthy life choices
- Choose your battles wisely
- See yourself clearly without blinders on
- Allow yourself time and space to feel your feelings
- Grieve the losses in your life
- Prioritize rest and relaxation and self-care
What else would you add here?
Self-care ideas to help you stay true to yourself:
- Set and maintain clear boundaries with others
- Set limits around triggering social media
- Read books that resonate with you (one of my favorites!)
- Make time for rest and relaxation
- Exercise and stretch your body daily
- Snuggle with a beloved pet
- Find a great therapist
- Practice mindfulness
- Write in a journal
- Meditate daily
What other types of self-care help you stay true to yourself?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Many of us struggle to stay true to ourselves both personally and professionally. If you could use more help and support, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area (if you don’t already have one). Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
