When I was younger, I loved being in the spotlight and nothing was really embarrassing to me. Unfortunately, as we grow up, the stigma and stipulations and stereotypes set upon us by society get in the way of free self expression. I remember the day quite clearly in middle school when I looked around and pondered, "when did everyone start wearing tight jeans?" From there on out, I got the message in my head that there was one way to be and I could only be that. Yet, every time I tried to fit in all I did was awkwardly stand out as I was trying way too hard to be something I was not. This became tiring and so instead of standing out, instead of fitting in, I just wanted to fade into the background.
I have learned over time though that no matter what protective mechanisms we put in place, when we are not acting from an authentic place within ourselves then we will never truly be seen for who we really are. I know quite well how to be a chameleon. Yet this was hurtful to my soul and over time caused me more pain than happiness because I never felt truly seen or known because I hardly let anyone fully in to get to know the wonderful person that I am.
It is nerve wracking now to think how authentic I am being here and it has been my first hit of vulnerability of how much I am putting myself out there these days. But I can't be anyone else but me and I have found the more I allow myself to act and speak from an authentic place the more I draw people and opportunities into my life that fit with me. And this connects right back to my food and my digestive tract. The more we feel in alignment with ourselves, the more we will want to take care of ourselves and choose foods that we know will settle well within our system.
While yes it is scary to always be honest with others and ourselves no matter what, ultimately this will extend all of our lives because we will not be repressing our own self expression and what we internally know is best for us. The relationship you cultivate with yourself is the most powerful and important relationship you can have so I invite you to speak your voice; first perhaps just to yourself and when you feel strong enough to share your true self with others and notice the positive affects of living in your own limelight.