Paradisiacal

Be Authentically You

9 April

It Will Silence Your Desire To Be Understood

“I understand.”
“I get what you’re saying.”
“Ahh, that makes sense.”

I think all of us have said this at times when we didn’t actually understand. Didn’t know what their point was. And in all actuality, what they just said made zero sense to us.

Because if we opened our mouths and expressed our opinions, our logic, our understanding of things, then they might not understand us. Might not relate. And even worse, our stance in that one moment might change how they see us. And then we’re left sitting with the reality that someone took one moment and turned it into a full conclusion of who we are.

Based on where, when, and even how you meet someone, it changes which part of them you see.

And for whatever reason, humans have a funny way of judging people in ways they would hate to be judged themselves.

And unfortunately, too many of us care entirely too much about giving the world the parts of us we don’t mind being seen or judged for, while hiding the parts that might make someone raise an eyebrow.

What It Means To Be Authentically You

But what if instead of curating who we are, we just lived authentically?

Unapologetically. Without performing.

I don’t swear in front of my 77-year-old grandmother; not because I’m pretending, but because I try not to swear in general. But I will chug tequila in Mexico City in front of my grandmother… because I would do it in front of anyone.

We spend so much time having a corporate version of ourselves, a friend version, a family version, a vacation version, a church version, a “with certain friends” version…

But what if those versions didn’t have to be so separate?

Now, there’s a time and place for everything.

Everyone doesn’t deserve to know or see all of you. And I’m definitely not saying go to work oversharing your personal life or mistaking acquaintances for people who have earned access to you.

But what I am saying is this…

The moments where you feel the urge to just be…
just be free…
just be authentic…

Do that.

Letting Go Of Being Understood

We are humans with layers. With quirks, interests, hobbies, dreams, and goals.

And instead of trying to make everything fit, everything align, everything feel curated; just be it all.

Be authentic.

So what if you’re an anesthesiologist, midnight ballerina, chef and a painter.
So what if you’re a philanthropic professional, trap rapper, gospel singer and a world traveler.
And so what if you’re a professional golfer, DJ, real estate broker and a sculptor.

When we choose to be authentically ourselves, all of ourselves, not just the curated parts, not just the socially acceptable parts; it silences the desire to be understood.

And not only that, it brings a contentment with being misunderstood.

And most importantly, it allows us to be free.

Because as it’s perfectly aligned and tattooed on my spine; I want us all to leave a mark they can’t erase.