Own Your Shit: Embrace Your Authentic Self
I used to think I was the Cirque du Soleil of social events, pulling off breathtaking feats to dazzle the crowd. I busted out gravity-defying stunts and juggled a chaotic assortment of objects, all while twisting into poses that defied the laws of physics—just to get a round of applause.
Instead, I ended up with a bad case of vertigo and sore muscles. When I did manage to get a clap or two, my ego took off like a rocket… only to come crashing down faster than a failed aerial flip. I’d end up wondering why I even bothered. It was like performing in a circus with no audience—just me, making a spectacle of myself in hopes of grabbing a sliver of approval.
Here’s the thing: authenticity isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a badass, necessary act of courage. In a world obsessed with filters and polished personas, the real challenge is to show up as your true self. But let’s be real, that’s easier said than done. Authenticity demands that you own every part of who you are—the good, the bad, the messy, and the awesome. Trust me, I’ve been there, wanting to hide behind a mask, too scared to show the real me. But the truth is, until you own your shit, you’re not really living.
The Masks We Wear
I get it. We all wear masks and put on a show. I did it too. Maybe you’re rocking that ‘totally confident, got-it-all-figured-out’ vibe, hiding the stuff you don’t want anyone to see. Or maybe you’re the ‘sure, whatever you want’ type, dodging conflict and keeping everyone else happy. Whatever your mask looks like, it’s exhausting to keep up. You start to forget who you actually are and start thinking your worth depends on how well you play the part.
The problem with masks is that they keep us safe, but they also keep us stuck. I know this because I spent years pretending to be someone I wasn’t, just to fit in, just to be accepted. But the more I pretended, the more disconnected I felt—from myself, from others, from life. And that’s not living; that’s surviving.
The Cost of Hiding
Ripping off the mask? Scary as hell! You feel exposed, like everyone’s about to see the stuff you usually shove into the darkest corners. But here’s what I’ve learned: being real isn’t about winning a popularity contest. It’s about cutting the crap and living your truth. When you stop pretending, you stop giving a damn about what others think and start living for you. That’s where the real freedom kicks in—the freedom to own your story, your choices, your life.
Let’s not kid ourselves—owning your shit is tough. It’s about facing the ugly parts you’d rather pretend don’t exist, the cringeworthy bits you’ve been avoiding, the parts you’ve tried to bury. But guess what? You can’t be real if you’re busy dodging your own reflection. Owning your shit means staring down your truth, no matter how ugly it gets. And yeah, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s also empowering AF.
Embrace Vulnerability
Here’s the honest truth: authenticity and vulnerability are a package deal. You can’t have one without the other. But let’s face it, being vulnerable is scary. It means exposing your fears, insecurities, and pain. It’s showing up fully, even when you’re unsure, even when you’re shaking in your boots. But that’s what it takes to be real.
I know what it’s like to be afraid of vulnerability. I used to think that showing my weaknesses made me less of a man, less capable, less worthy. But what I’ve come to realize is that vulnerability isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. A superpower. It’s the courage to be seen, to be known, to be real. And when you embrace vulnerability, you get deeper connections, real growth, and a life that’s actually worth living.
How to Embrace Your Authentic Self
Drop the Mask: First, figure out what masks you’re wearing and why. What are you avoiding? Who are you trying to please? Once you’ve identified your masks, start ditching them. It won’t happen overnight, but small steps lead to big changes.
Own Your Shit: Take responsibility for your actions, your choices, and your life. Stop pointing fingers and making excuses. Look in the mirror and confront your truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. The more you own your shit, the more empowered you become.
Embrace Vulnerability: Start small. Share a fear, an insecurity, or a struggle with someone you trust. Practice being open and honest, even when it feels uncomfortable. Remember, vulnerability is where real connection and growth happen.
Living Your Truth
At the end of the day, authenticity is about cutting through the BS and being true to yourself. It means aligning what you do with who you really are. And showing up unapologetically, without compromise. No excuses.
But let’s get one thing straight, living your truth isn't a cakewalk. It demands guts, conviction, and a clear sense of who you are. It requires you to stand your ground, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular. But when you live your truth, you naturally attract people and opportunities that align with your values, your passions, and your purpose. It’s how you end up with a life that’s not just real, but also deeply fulfilling.
The Bottom Line
Authenticity isn’t about perfection; it’s about being real. It’s about embracing your flaws, your fears, your truth. It’s about owning your shit, owning your power, and owning your future. It’s about showing up as your full, unfiltered self and living life on your terms.
So stop hiding. Stop pretending. Stop playing it safe. It’s time to own your shit, embrace your authentic self, and start living like you mean it. Because the world doesn’t need more people who fit in; it needs more people who stand out. And that, my friend, starts with you.