“Be available to the things themselves; to the fresh voice, the strangest voice, your unalienated voice; for it sounds different from your habitual voice, and yet it is your true voice, the call to authenticity.”

Who are you? 

Can you distinguish between your authentic and habitual self? It can be challenging. Behaviors such as familiarity bias, social conditioning, emotional attachments, and fear of change often cloud our perceptions. I want to encourage you to consider”disponibilité” – the art of remaining open to the call of your authentic self. I am very much aware that over time, I’ve grown accustomed to certain behaviors, and catch myself afraid to step out of my comfort zone. However, I’ve realized that by seeking comfort, I am limiting opportunities for growth. I would like to share a short story with you.

About a month ago, while waiting in line at Starbucks inside a Target store, I had an unexpected encounter. I struck up a conversation with a stranger who had recently moved to Arizona from Washington. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and a strange voice inside my head suggested that I give her my number to connect later. Although it was unusual for me to share my number with strangers, this encounter felt different, genuine, and organic. I had been praying to meet new friends, and she seemed like a potential answer. We have since met up a few times and forged a relationship through delightful conversations and common interests. If I hadn’t hearkened to that strange voice, I would have missed out on this wonderful opportunity to connect with this incredible person.

Growth, discovery, and self-realization await!

Here is my challenge for you! Embrace openness to the world around you, for it is a vast and diverse landscape filled with unfamiliar, peculiar, and unexpected elements. Within this tapestry of existence lie countless opportunities for growth, discovery, and self-realization. Be willing to step outside the confines of your comfort zone, explore uncharted territories, and delve into the unexplored corners of your being. Among the many voices that echo through your mind, listen attentively for the one that stands out and feels distinct and fresh. This may be the voice of your authentic self, often obscured by societal conditioning and self-imposed limitations.

It might not align with your past or conform to others’ expectations, but it holds the essence of your true identity.Do not shy away from this voice; it is the core of your authenticity. It speaks to you in moments of vulnerability, urging you to break free from conformity and express your genuine thoughts, emotions, and desires. Your unfiltered voice is your true self, unburdened by societal norms or the need for approval. Embracing it grants you the freedom to be yourself, unapologetically and wholeheartedly.

The path less traveled is calling.

In pursuing authenticity, remember that the journey may not always follow a familiar path. You may encounter challenges, doubts, and uncertainties as you explore uncharted terrain within yourself. However, authenticity is a journey worth undertaking, leading to self-discovery, self-acceptance, and inner peace. By embracing openness and listening to your purest voice, you connect with the essence of your being. This connection transcends external labels and expectations, revealing the raw beauty of your uniqueness. Your authenticity becomes a guiding light, leading your way and attracting like-minded souls who appreciate you for who you truly are.

You are a beacon and a gift to the world. Don’t forsake her!

As you venture forth, remember that your authentic voice is a gift, a beacon that calls you to live in alignment with your true self. Embrace the unfamiliar, peculiar, and unfiltered aspects of your being, for they are the colors that paint the masterpiece of your existence. By embracing your authenticity, you create a life that is truly yours – a life that reflects the essence of your soul.